Sappenfield Scholarship Grant

The Sappenfield Scholarship at the University of Montana supports Native American graduate students, particularly those majoring in psychology. If no psychology majors are qualified, students from other social sciences such as anthropology and sociology may be considered. The scholarship aims to foster professional achievement and community service while enhancing conditions for Native Americans. This initiative reflects the university's commitment to diversity and academic excellence, making higher education accessible to underrepresented groups.

University of Montana
The University of Montana (UM), located in Missoula, is a flagship public research university dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and public service. As a premier institution in the Rocky Mountain West, UM offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs supported by world-class faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and a strong commitment to research that addresses regional and global challenges. The university fosters an environment where curiosity, exploration, and creativity thrive, preparing students to become leaders in their fields and engaged citizens in their communities.
Its vision emphasizes student success, inclusive academic opportunity, and building a vibrant, sustainable campus community that contributes to the cultural, environmental, and economic vitality of Montana and beyond. The institution prioritizes excellence in teaching and research, respect for place and culture, and a commitment to stewardship, innovation, and public impact.
The purpose of the Sappenfield Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a Native American graduate student at The University of Montana. Preference should be given to a psychology major, but if there are no qualified psychology majors, then a qualified student in another of the social sciences listed below, not in order of preference, may be considered: anthropology, communication studies, economics, geography, political science or sociology. The student should show promise for professional achievement or community service. The recipient should demonstrate an awareness or an interest in the improvement of conditions of Indians on and off the reservation. If no Native American graduate student can be identified who fits the criteria, persons of other ethnicity should be considered.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate degree program at UM in psychology, anthropology, communication studies, economics, geography, political science or sociologyEnrolled member of a Native American Tribe