Scholarship applications now open to Native students
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Financial need is a top concern for Native students attending college, according to the American Indian College Fund. Now, Indigenous learners in Montana and across the U.S. can get help with those costs through College Fund scholarships.
The group offers tuition money to tribal members and their descendants, with awards averaging $2,000 to $3,000.
Tiffany Gusbeth, vice president of student success services for the American Indian College Fund, said the scholarships are focused on students attending tribal universities and colleges, known as TCUs.
"We support students at all academic levels, whether they are part-time, first-time entering, or nontraditional students seeking various types of degree programs," Gusbeth explained.
Montana has seven TCUs, and there are 34 across the country. The application deadline is May 31 for awards to be announced in July. Last year, the College Fund gave out $21 million in scholarships to more than 7,300 students.
Gusbeth added TCUs are not just for Native students and they offer an economical option to get a college degree. She stressed rural students in particular can benefit from TCUs.
"The way TCUs are set up, they are really focused on a holistic student experience," Gusbeth emphasized. "Making sure that students are welcomed; they have a sense of belonging on campus."
Gusbeth pointed out the average cost of attending a TCU in 2022 to 2023 was around $18,600, while a four-year public university cost more than $27,000.Financial need is a top concern for Native students attending college, according to the American Indian College Fund. Now, Indigenous learners in Montana and across the U.S. can get help with those costs through College Fund scholarships.
The group offers tuition money to tribal members and their descendants, with awards averaging $2,000 to $3,000.
Tiffany Gusbeth, vice president of student success services for the American Indian College Fund, said the scholarships are focused on students attending tribal universities and colleges, known as TCUs.
"We support students at all academic levels, whether they are part-time, first-time entering, or nontraditional students seeking various types of degree programs," Gusbeth explained.
Montana has seven TCUs, and there are 34 across the country. The application deadline is May 31 for awards to be announced in July. Last year, the College Fund gave out $21 million in scholarships to more than 7,300 students.
Gusbeth added TCUs are not just for Native students and they offer an economical option to get a college degree. She stressed rural students in particular can benefit from TCUs.
"The way TCUs are set up, they are really focused on a holistic student experience," Gusbeth emphasized. "Making sure that students are welcomed; they have a sense of belonging on campus."
Gusbeth pointed out the average cost of attending a TCU in 2022 to 2023 was around $18,600, while a four-year public university cost more than $27,000.
