The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Annually approximately 325 Indian students receive support to help finance graduate studies. Law and health professions are the most often selected areas of concentration.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grant funds may be used to defray the costs of obtaining a graduate degree.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Individual applicants must be Indian students who are members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, who have been admitted to a graduate program and have unmet financial need.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes who are a member of or are at least one-fourth degree Indian blood descendant of a member of an Indian tribe which is eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to Indians because of their status as Indians.
Credentials/Documentation
Individual applicants must have proof of membership or one-fourth degree of Indian blood or descendant of a member of a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Applicants should contact the American Indian Graduate Center which administers the program on behalf of the Bureau.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application forms may be obtained from the local BIA agency or area education office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Award Procedures
The applicant will be notified of the amount of the award by the financial aid office of the admitting university.
Deadlines
None.
Authorization
Snyder Act of 1921, Public Law 67-85, 25 U.S.C. 13.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
20 to 30 days from the receipt of the application by the American Indian Graduate Center.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Individuals must reapply annually.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards made are not to exceed one academic year.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Successful applicants are required to show proof of satisfactory performance.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-2100-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $2,198,000; FY 08 est $2,164,000; and FY 09 est $2,164,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$250 to $4,000; $3,200.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
25 CFR, Part 40.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
American Indian Graduate Center, 4520 Montgomery Boulevard, Suite 1-B, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. Telephone: (505) 881-4584.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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