Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program Grant

Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Native Forward Scholars Fund
Last Updated: January 18, 2026

Summary

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.

Overview

Our Story 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. Our collective story is woven together from a diverse fabric of cultures, customs, and histories. The exchange of ideas and knowledge enriches our shared experiences from one generation to the next. We are all part of contributing to that story and with each Native perspective and journey, the next chapter will evolve and grow. We believe higher education deepens our transformative impact on every part of society. Knowledge and experience are powerful tools that can advance and preserve our way of life. By learning from the past, we are creating our own brilliant future. 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. To inspire excellence with impact, we provide: Holistic support services and resources to help Native students access and navigate the higher education of their choice. A strong network of engaged alumni that fosters community and mentorship beyond our organization. Advocacy of greater representation and visibility of Native communities. Trusted stewardship of donor support and scholarship funding to make meaningful differences. Empowering Native scholars and increasing visibility through higher education. Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program Empowering Students Through Experiential Learning: Native Forward Scholars Fund is dedicated to empowering students by providing financial support to access meaningful internship opportunities specifically in non-STEM fields. These internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas critical to strengthening Tribal communities and fostering leadership development. Expanding Equity and Impact: This program helps students overcome financial barriers that may limit their ability to pursue internships in non-STEM fields such as: Public Policy: Shaping policies to protect Tribal sovereignty and advance Native priorities. Education: Developing culturally relevant learning environments to empower future generations. Social Work: Addressing systemic issues and fostering social equity within Tribal communities. Cultural Preservation: Protecting and promoting the heritage, language, and traditions of Tribal nations. Other non-STEM fields will be considered. These internships are vital for enhancing Tribal communities and advancing social, cultural, and economic well-being. The award provides financial assistance for: Travel Costs: Covers transportation for accepting the internship and daily commuting. Living Expenses: Includes housing and other essential costs during the internship period. Roundtrip Travel: Supports travel to and from the internship location. To ensure transparency and accountability, applicants must submit detailed, itemized documentation of expenses.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.