NSCDA National American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program

The American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program (formerly known as American Indian Nurse Scholarship Award Program) was started by the Pennsylvania Society in 1928 and made a national project by the NSCDA in the 1930s to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing.

The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males and the career goals now include not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education, as well.

The current goal is to grant a $1,500 scholarship each semester, as long as the student remains in academic good standing. The scholarship money is restricted to tuition and specific academic expenses. To meet the financial demands of their education, many students seek additional government grants and subsidies and maintain part-time jobs.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship, the candidate must be:

  • 1/4 American Indian, enrolled in a tribe. If not enrolled, the student will be considered if he or she can prove direct tribal ancestry.
  • A high school graduate or have equivalent education
  • Enrolled in an accredited school
  • Enrolled in the nursing program, having achieved good scholastic standing in
    pre-nursing; or, enrolled in a health care or health education program
  • Expected to graduate two years after enrollment if in an Associate Degree
    program
  • Expected to graduate in four years if pursuing a B.S.
  • Post graduate students are also eligible
  • Maintaining the scholastic average required by the school
  • Recommended by their counselor, teacher or other school official
  • In need of financial assistance
  • Not receiving an Indian Health Service Scholarship
  • Should have a career goal directly related to the needs of the Indian people

  • Attachments

    The following must accompany the application:

    • an official transcript,
    • small photograph and
    • biographical statement including educational background, financial need, career goals, special achievements or other pertinent information.

  • Deadlines

    Applications for fall term must be submitted by June 1st.
    Applications for the spring must be submitted by December 1st.

  • Send

    Send complete application to:

    Dumbarton House
    Attn: Indian Nurse Scholarship
    2715 Q Street N.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20007-3071

  • Award

    Eligible students receive $1,500 per semester and the money is to be used strictly for tuition, books or fees applicable to the student’s approved program. The grant is sent to the school and credited to the student’s account.

    Once a student is accepted, he or she may re-apply for continued funds each semester as long as the student remains in academic good standing.