Minnesota

Representative

Lara Gerhardson

Lara.Gerhardson@state.mn.us

(651) 259-3939

Award Amount

$4,000

Degree Levels

Certificate, Diploma, Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate

Description

The Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program (MISP) provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award. Eligible students must attend an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an accredited post-secondary institution in Minnesota and have remaining need as demonstrated in the budget provided by the school.

Requirements

Scholarships are available to students who:

  • Are one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation;

  • Are a Minnesota resident;

  • Apply for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs;

  • Enroll at least ¾ time as an undergraduate OR ½ time as a graduate student in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an accredited postsecondary institution in Minnesota;

  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP);

  • Are not in default on a federal or state student loan or, if in default, have regained eligibility for federal or state student aid;

  • Qualify for either a Pell or State Grant and demonstrate financial need as an undergraduate student OR demonstrate financial need as a graduate student.

How can students use your financial aid?

MISP awards can be used towards any remaining need as demonstrated in the school budget. The annual award amount is up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate students and up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students.

How does your financial aid support Native American students?

The MISP awards eligible Native American students who have remaining need in their school budgets. It provides an additional source of financial support to students whose financial need is not covered by other financial aid.

The eligibility criteria was expanded to include students who are either enrolled members of their tribe OR can demonstrate 1/4-degree Native ancestry from federally-recognized tribes or Canadian First Nations. The ancestry can be combined from more than one tribe/tribal band to meet the criteria.

Outreach Liaison, Lara Gerhardson, is available to answer questions about the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program, American Indian Scholars Program, and can assist students who have questions about procuring tribal documentation. She can also help refer students to other scholarship resources for Native students and answer questions about financial aid in general.