Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program Grant

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

Throughout our 50-year history, Native Forward has empowered over 22,000 students from over 500 Tribes in all 50 states by providing scholarship dollars and support for services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
For more than 50 years, we have empowered Native leaders through national scholarship funding and student services to share their voices and strengthen their communities.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Native Forward Scholars Fund Professional Development Assistance Program, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Be an enrolled member or descendant of a US federally or state-recognized Tribe.

Provide proof of Tribal enrollment via a copy of their Certificate Degree of Indian Blood, Tribal membership card, OR a letter of enrollment/descendancy from the Tribal enrollment office.
Applicants must find their own internship position. The internship must directly align with non-STEM fields, such as public policy, education, social work, cultural preservation, etc.
Submit a letter confirming acceptance from an internship site.
Provide itemized costs/receipts for travel, housing, commuting, etc.