AISES Scholarships Opportunities for Native American Students

Looking to fund college as a Native American student? Learn how AISES scholarships help cover tuition, books, and more for STEM majors.

Thinking about college but worried about the cost?

If you’re Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian—and you’re planning to study science, tech, engineering, or math—you may qualify for AISES scholarships. These awards can help you pay for school, stay debt-free, and focus on your goals.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what AISES is, how the scholarships work, who can apply, and how to give yourself the best shot at getting one.

Let’s dive in and make college a little easier to afford.

What is AISES and Who Can Apply?

What is AISES?

AISES stands for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

It’s a national group that helps Native American students get into and succeed in STEM—that’s science, technology, engineering, and math.

Since 1977, AISES has given out millions in scholarships and built a strong support network for Native students in college and beyond.

They don’t just hand out money. AISES also helps students:

• Find mentors
• Get internships
• Join conferences
• Connect with employers who value diversity

If you’re serious about a STEM degree and want financial help (plus support), this is the place to start.

Who Can Apply for AISES Scholarships?

To apply for most AISES scholarships, you need to meet a few basic rules:

• You must be Native. This includes American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students. Some programs require tribal enrollment or descent from a recognized tribe.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• You must be a full-time student. That means enrolled in a college or university—either a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate program.
• You must study STEM. That includes majors like engineering, computer science, biology, math, chemistry, health science, and more.
• You need decent grades. Most scholarships ask for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Some scholarships may ask for extras—like community involvement, leadership roles, or financial need.

Quick Recap: If you’re Native, studying full-time, and majoring in a STEM field, you probably qualify.

And even if you’re not sure? It’s still worth looking. Some programs are more flexible than you’d think.

Top AISES Scholarships You Should Know About

AISES offers a bunch of scholarships each year. Some are big, some are small—but all of them can help you save on tuition, books, and other school costs.

Here are a few of the most popular ones Native students are applying for in 2025:

1. AISES Chevron Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
• Who it’s for: Native students in engineering, earth sciences, geology, geophysics, or computer science
• Requirements: Must be a full-time undergrad at a 4-year college with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Why it’s great: It’s renewable and comes from a major company that supports Native talent

2. AISES Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship

• Amount: Between $5,000 and $10,000
• Who it’s for: Students majoring in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering
• Requirements: Full-time students, GPA 3.0+, and leadership/community involvement helps
• Why it’s great: Offers big money, plus internship opportunities at Intel

3. AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000 for undergrads, $2,000 for grads
• Who it’s for: Students in any STEM field (science, math, engineering, computer science, etc.)
• Requirements: Full-time, GPA of 3.0 or above
• Why it’s great: It’s one of the most accessible AISES scholarships and open to a wide range of majors

4. AISES Aristocrat/VGT Scholarship

• Amount: $2,500
• Who it’s for: Native students in computer science, technology, or business-related fields
• Requirements: Must show academic success and commitment to Native communities
• Why it’s great: Perfect for students interested in gaming tech, software, or business

5. AISES HP Scholar Award

• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Who it’s for: Native undergrads or grads in computer science, IT, or engineering
• Requirements: GPA 3.0+, community involvement, and an interest in careers in tech
• Why it’s great: High payout + chance for mentorship and job networking

A Note on Deadlines: Most AISES scholarships open in February and close around May each year. Some dates may change, so always check the official website.

Check the full list here.

Why Native Students Should Apply for STEM Scholarships

College costs a lot. And for Native students, there are even more barriers—from location and access to funding and support. But there’s a bigger reason AISES scholarships matter:

STEM needs more Native voices.

The STEM Gap is Real

Native Americans make up less than 1% of all STEM professionals in the U.S.

That means fewer Native scientists, engineers, coders, and doctors—even though Native communities are deeply connected to the land, environment, and health. STEM fields are shaping the future, but Native perspectives are often missing.

That’s where scholarships come in.

Scholarships Are More Than Just Money

Yes, AISES scholarships help pay for tuition, books, and living expenses. But they do more than that. They open doors.

When Native students get financial support in STEM:

• They’re more likely to finish their degree
• They gain access to mentors and internships
• They bring cultural knowledge into science, tech, and engineering
• They go back to support their communities as leaders

Representation Matters

Picture this: A Native biologist protecting tribal land. A Native software engineer building tools for Indigenous languages. A Native civil engineer working on clean water projects in rural communities.

These aren’t just nice stories—they’re real. And it starts with getting through college without drowning in debt.

If you’re Native and even thinking about studying STEM, apply. Scholarships like AISES aren’t handouts. They’re investments in your future—and in the future of your people.

Also Read: Obama Foundation Scholars Program for International Students (2025 Guide)

How to Apply for an AISES Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for an AISES scholarship might feel like a lot at first — but it’s really just a few simple steps. If you stay organized, you’ll be done faster than you think.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create Your AISES Profile

Go to the school site and set up a free student profile.

This is your main account for applying, uploading documents, and tracking your status.

Think of it like your scholarship dashboard.

Step 2: Look Through the Available Scholarships

Once you’re logged in, check out the list of open scholarships.

Pay close attention to:

• Eligibility (tribal affiliation, major, year of study)
• GPA requirements
• Whether it’s one-time or renewable
• What documents they need

Pick the ones that match your background, major, and goals.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Most AISES scholarships ask for:

• A personal statement or essay
• Official or unofficial transcripts
• One or two letters of recommendation
• Proof of tribal affiliation (like a CIB card or letter)

Some may also ask about community work, leadership, or financial need — so have that info ready too.

Step 4: Write a Strong Personal Statement

This is your chance to shine. Share your story.

• Why are you choosing your major?
• What challenges have you faced as a Native student?
• What do you want to do after college?
• How will this scholarship help?

Keep it honest and simple. No need to sound perfect. Just be real and focused.

Tip: Stick to one or two clear messages. Don’t try to say everything.

Step 5: Ask for Recommendations Early

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Ask a teacher, advisor, or mentor who knows you well. Give them at least 2 weeks to write it — and share details about the scholarship so they know what to include.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Double-check everything. Upload all files. Click submit.

Most AISES scholarship deadlines fall between March and May. Late applications usually won’t be accepted — even if you were close.

Pro tip: Aim to submit at least a week early in case something goes wrong.

Final Checklist Before Submitting

• Logged into your AISES profile
• Chosen the right scholarships
• Uploaded your essay, transcripts, and tribal proof
• Sent in recommendation letters
• Submitted before the deadline

Done? You’re in the running!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Applying for scholarships doesn’t have to be stressful — but there are a few traps students fall into that can cost them big.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

This is the biggest one. Don’t put it off.

Most AISES scholarships close in spring (March–May), and you’ll need time to collect your transcripts, write your essay, and get letters of recommendation.

Start at least a month in advance.

2. Submitting Incomplete Applications

Missing even one required file — like tribal enrollment proof or a recommendation letter — can disqualify you. Before you hit submit, double-check everything.

Use a checklist to keep track.

3. Writing a Generic Essay

A vague “I want to help my community” essay won’t cut it. Be specific. Talk about your goals, where you come from, and why this scholarship matters to you.

Let your story show who you are.

4. Not Proofreading

Typos make you look rushed or careless. Ask a teacher, mentor, or even a friend to read your application before you send it.

It only takes 10 extra minutes, and it makes a difference.

5. Forgetting to Follow Up

Some scholarships ask for interviews or follow-up paperwork. If you miss an email, you might miss out on the award.

Check your inbox often, especially a few weeks after applying.

Avoiding these small mistakes can help you stand out — and boost your chances of winning.

Benefits of Joining AISES Beyond Scholarships

AISES isn’t just a place to get free money for school. It’s a full-on support system built for Native students in STEM. When you join, you’re not just applying for scholarships — you’re stepping into a nationwide community.

1. Career Support That Actually Helps

AISES connects you with companies like Intel, Google, and NASA.
Many students land internships or job offers just by showing up at an AISES event. Seriously — doors open when your name is on their radar.

2. National and Regional Conferences

These events bring Native STEM students together to network, attend workshops, and meet mentors. AISES even helps pay travel costs if you’re presenting or attending as a scholar.

These conferences can help you:

• Get face time with recruiters
• Practice public speaking
• Learn how to pitch yourself professionally
• Meet Native scientists, engineers, and leaders

3. Campus Chapters and Local Events

Most major colleges have AISES chapters. These give you a local crew of Native students to lean on. You’ll get leadership experience, chances to volunteer, and people who get you.

If your school doesn’t have a chapter, you can even start one.

4. Mentorship That Feels Personal

AISES matches students with professionals in their field — Native engineers, coders, health scientists, and more. These mentors give real advice, from dealing with tough classes to finding the right grad program.

It’s like having a guide who’s already walked the path you’re on.

Joining AISES gives you more than money. It gives you community, confidence, and connection.

Also Read: MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: Fully Funded Scholarships for Africans

AISES Scholarships FAQ: What Students Ask Most

Sometimes students skip applying just because they’re unsure about the rules. Let’s clear that up. Here are quick answers to the questions students ask most about AISES scholarships.

Real-World Example

Meet Mariah—From Small Town to STEM Scholar

Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone like you win to believe it’s possible.

Let’s talk about Mariah, a first-gen Native college student from rural Montana.

Mariah’s Story

Mariah grew up on the Crow Reservation and always loved science. She dreamed of becoming an environmental engineer but had no idea how she’d pay for school.

Her family didn’t have much, and student loans felt like a trap.

A mentor at a summer camp told her about AISES scholarships. Mariah had never heard of them, but she checked the website and saw she qualified for two—the A.T. Anderson and Chevron scholarships.

What She Did Right

Here’s what helped Mariah stand out:

• She kept her GPA above 3.5 in high school
• She volunteered in her tribal community
• She wrote a personal story about how water quality affects her hometown
• She applied a month before the deadline
• She asked a teacher and a local tribal leader for recommendations

A few months later, she got an email:
She’d been awarded both scholarships—totaling $6,000.

Where She Is Now

Mariah is now a junior at Montana Tech, majoring in environmental engineering. She’s interned with the EPA, joined AISES chapters, and mentors other Native high school students.

She said,

“I wouldn’t be here without AISES. It’s more than a scholarship—it’s a community.”

Mariah’s story isn’t rare. Every year, students just like her use AISES to unlock college and career doors they didn’t know existed.

Final Thoughts + How to Get Started Today

College is hard enough. Paying for it shouldn’t stop you before you even begin.

If you’re Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian—and you’re planning to study a STEM major—AISES scholarships are worth your time.

They’re not just about money (though that helps a lot). You’ll also get support, mentorship, and a strong community that sticks with you long after graduation.

Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:

• Visit the official AISES scholarship page
• Create your free student profile
• Check out which scholarships fit you
• Start your personal essay—even just a rough draft
• Reach out to someone for a letter of recommendation

The earlier you start, the better your chances.

You don’t need to have perfect grades or a long list of awards. You just need to take the first step.

Thousands of students just like you are doing it. And if you’re still not sure where to start, bookmark this post—and just begin with the profile. The rest will come.