Albuquerque Community Foundation

Scholarship & Financial Aid Programs

Albuquerque Community Foundation has a number of scholarship and financial aid programs.

ALL INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS AND APPLICATIONS is available on their website in the Student Aid Program section.

There are programs for students who engage in community service, for youth, in foster care, and students living in mobile homes, for Native Americans involved in varsity sports and a financial aid program for those receiving Federal Financial Aid – but not enough to cover their expenses. We also have links to many other resources that could enable students to continue their education.

Albuquerque Community Foundation

 

College Horizons

Futures for Children Sophomores and Juniors

College Horizons is a five-day “Pre-College Workshop” geared specifically for American Indian students. This remarkable program is held twice annually on college campuses around the nation. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to apply (academic transcript required). Please read application requirements carefully.

If you are accepted by College Horizons, Futures for Children will pay for 15 scholarships (round trip airfare and program fees). All enrolled Futures for Children Friendship and Youth Leadership students who qualify with College Horizons are eligible for the scholarship.

College Horizons
 

Gates Millennium Scholarship

Outstanding Students Recognized for Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Service

The goal of GMS is to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their fullest potential by completing an undergraduate college education in any discipline of interest. Continuing Gates Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or science.

Eligibility Criteria
Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:
• Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American.
• Are a citizen/ legal permanent resident or national of the United States.
• Have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) or have earned a GED.
• Will be entering a U.S. accredited college or university as full-time, degree-seeking freshman in the fall.
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extra-curricular, or other activities.
• Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria (Eligibility for Federal Pell Grant can only be determined through the submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education).

Gates Millennium Scholarship
 

Sources of Financial Aid - American Indian Students

Indian Resource Development at New Mexico State University publishes the “Sources of Financial Aid Available to American Indian Students” booklet. This booklet provides up-to-date information on financial aid and internship opportunities for Native American students.

Financial Aid
 

QuestBridge National College Match Program

The QuestBridge National College Match Program offers an opportunity for outstanding low-income students.

The National College Match Program connects high-achieving low-income students with admission and full scholarships to 29 partner colleges. Approximately 1,000 QuestBridge applicants enroll at these colleges every year, with financial aid worth over $100 million.
Application is due September 30, 2010!

QuestBridge National College Match Program
 

Six Flags Friends Scholarships

DoSomething.org has teamed up with Six Flags Friends to award college scholarships

DoSomething.org has teamed up with Six Flags Friends to award college scholarships to young leaders who are taking action to make their community a better place. Scholarships will be awarded based on past, current and planned action in the community as well as the applicant’s passion, commitment and proven leadership skills.
Hurry, deadline is April 30, 2010

For additional information, visit Six Flags Friends Scholarships.
 

Young Native Writers Essay Contest

The National Museum of the American Indian, in partnership with the Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation

The National Museum of the American Indian, in partnership with the Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation, is pleased to announce a call for entries for the annual Young Native Writers Essay Contest. Five selected essayists, and the teachers that inspired their participation, will win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. in July 2010 and a $2,500 scholarship.
Hurry, the deadline is May 10, 2010.

Young Native Writers Essay Contest
 

QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship

For High School Juniors

The College Prep Scholarship provides more than 1,000 awards that equip outstanding low-income high school juniors with the knowledge necessary to compete for admission to top-ranked colleges.
Hurry, the deadline is 03/29/10!

QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship
 

TradeUp New Mexico

Training & Careers

If you are considering beginning a career in the building trade, TradeUp New Mexico can help you; they help you build a career. They assist in choosing a professional path, completing an apprenticeship, and beginning your career.

For additional information, visit TradeUp New Mexico.
 

Youth Leadership Regional Reports

2008-2009 School Year

Acoma Boys & Girls Club
Chinle Elementary School Program
Chinle High School Program
Chinle Junior High School Program
Chinle Office of Youth Development Program
Crownpoint High School Program
Ganado Middle School
Holbrook High School
Hopi Day School
Hopi Junior Senior High School
Jeeh Deeza Academy
Lukachukai Community School
Many Farms High School
Mishongnovi Village Youth Program
Moencopi Day School
Na Neelzhiin Ji Olta Day School
Navajo Middle School
Navajo Preparatory School
Ramah Navajo SETS Program
Red Mesa High School
Red Mesa Junior High School
Rehoboth Christian School Program
Rock Point Community School
Round Rock Elementary Junior High School
Santa Fe Indian School
Santo Domingo Community
Santo Domingo Middle School
Tamaya Peer Mentors Program
Tohatchi High School
Tsaile Public School
Window Rock Gifted & Talented Program
Wingate Elementary School
Zuni Afterschool Program
Zuni Tribal Youth Program




 

College Horizons

Futures for Children Sophomores and Juniors

College Horizons is a five-day “Pre-College Workshop” geared specifically for American Indian students. This remarkable program is held twice annually on college campuses around the nation. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to apply (academic transcript required). Please read application requirements carefully.

If you apply and are accepted by College Horizons, Futures for Children will pay for 15 scholarships (round trip airfare and program fees). All enrolled Futures for Children Friendship and Youth Leadership students who qualify with College Horizons are eligible for the scholarship.

College Horizons
 

Patty Iron Cloud Program

Association of American Indian Physicians

Through its cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health, the Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative is an intense academic enrichment, and reinforcement, program designed to better prepare American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students to remain in the academic pipeline and pursue a career in the health professions and/or biomedical research.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 16, 2010

Patty Iron Cloud Program
 

Dream Catcher Science Program

Sandia National Laboratories

The Dream Catcher Science Program is a hands-on science and engineering program designed for American Indian middle-school and high-school students in grades 6 through 12 who are interested in science, math, and engineering. There is no cost to attend the program and parents are invited to attend workshops with their student(s).
Hurry, program starts 6/5/10.

Dream Catcher Science Program
 

Morris K. Udall Native American Congressional Internships

Washington D.C.

The Native American Congressional Internship Program provides college Juniors and Seniors with an insider's view of the federal government. The ten-week internship in Washington, D.C., places students in Senate and House offices, committees, Cabinet departments and the White House, where they are able to observe government decision-making processes first-hand. In 2007, the Foundation expects to award 12 Internships on the basis of merit to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Morris K. Udall Native American Congressional Internships
 

Young Scholars Program

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program offers one of the most personalized scholarship programs for high-achieving students in the nation. The Foundation’s Young Scholars Program is designed to nurture exceptional students who have demonstrated, through academic excellence and extracurricular activities, that they have the potential to excel. Students apply for the program in 7th grade, enter the program in 8th grade, and continue through high school. Each Young Scholar receives a unique combination of opportunities that may include:
• Guidance in selecting a high school and, if necessary, support in applying to a private or magnet high school.
• Summer academic or enrichment programs.
• Computers, software, or other learning technology.
• Specialized support in music, art, science, math, or other subjects.
• Connection with a nationwide community of Young Scholars.
• Resources for career exploration and mentorship.
• College advising and counseling.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
 

Leadership Development

For over two decades, Youth Leadership has provided thousands of American Indian students with resources to turn possibilities into realities.

Youth Leadership began in 1986 as a week long summit for a handful of students. It has grown into a community based program serving over one thousand students and their communities.

At no cost to the communities and schools, Futures for Children provides training, curriculum, and follow-up support. Through experiential based leadership activities, planning, and implementing student driven leadership projects, students gain the knowledge and skills to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Each year, Futures for Children orchestrates Youth Leadership Summits so that groups can network with one another and build on the skills learned with their home group.


 

Meet Nakiya Currier

Renaissance Teen

Nakiya Currier enjoys spending time with her grandma, listening to her favorite bands (Thirty Seconds to Mars and Coheed in Cambria), running cross-country, playing the guitar, and reading. In addition to all these interests, and maintaining good grades in school, Nakiya finds time for her family's tradition of weaving.

Nakiya began weaving when she was six years old. "My grandma and my mom taught me how to weave, and I'm still learning how to card the sheep's wool. To make our natural dyes, we go collect berries, bark, roots, flowers, nuts, and onion skins."

Two years in a row, Nakiya entered and placed first in the Southwest Indian Foundation's Scholarship Art Competition. In addition, her work has been added to the Permanent Collection at the Roundhouse Capital Building in Santa Fe, NM. A display titled, "Three Generations of Weavers," showcases her family's work.

Reverend and Mrs. Merritt Berg from Chicago, IL, have been Nakiya's mentors since she was in kindergarten. "They encourage me to do my best. Although I have never met them, when they write, they really seem to care. They mean a lot to me." In addition to her mentors, Nakiya credits her family's strong support and encouragement for her achievements.

With all of these diverse interests and talents, Nakiya is a renaissance woman of her time. Her plans for the future? Right now she is keeping them open. "I'm planning on going to college. Right now I'm unsure what I want to do when I finish. I will always keep arts in my life."
 

Friendship

Futures for Children connects American Indian youth in grades K-12 with a mentor from across the United States or around the world. Mentors are from all 50 states and 21 countries! A friendship of support is built through letters and at times emails and phone conversations.

Mentored students often feel that their mentor is a close friend. Mentors give encouragement for your studies and activities, help you build self-confidence and courage. The two of you can share culture and tradition with each other. Through the program, your mentor provides some financial assistance for school necessities.


Futures holds the following expectations of the students in the program:

Communicate
With your mentor at least every other month (six times a year) and acknowledge gifts from your mentor.

Complete
Fall and Spring Student Update forms twice a year. Students are required to submit their current report card and a current photo. Following each completed update form, students receive incentive checks for books, school supplies, clothing, or other educationally-related items.

Maintain
A 2.0 (C) grade point average, as well as good school attendance.

Demonstrate
Good behavior at school and in your community. Friendship students are expected to be role models.

 

Youth Leadership Summits

Leadership. Goal Setting. Self Awareness.

Children, Futures began the Youth Leadership Program in 1986. Youth Leadership started as a weeklong camp involving high school juniors and seniors for leadership development activities.

To continue this vision and success, Futures for Children hosts annual Youth Leadership Summits. At the summits, Youth Leadership participants are teamed up with fellow students from other tribes, communities, and schools. The main focus of the summits is to bring students from diverse cultures together to enhance their leadership skills and accentuate their teambuilding capabilities.

Students from Hopi, Navajo, and Pueblo communities participate in a number of valuable activities, including confidence building ropes courses, environmental outreach workshops, service learning projects, question and answer sessions with American Indian professionals, public speaking exercises, and team development activities.

The summit is crucial in exposing students to people and cultures they have not ever been introduced to, in increasing self-reliance by being away from home and their “comfort zone,” in creating lifelong friendships, and in further reinforcing the importance of teamwork and leadership, in individuals and in communities.