IAIA 2020–2021 Undergraduate Scholarship Application
2019 Scholarship Awards Luncheon
The mission of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is “To empower creativity and leadership in Native Arts and cultures through higher education, life-long learning, and outreach.”
IAIA was established in 1962 as a high school with an innovated approach to arts education. In 1984, IAIA gained accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer college degrees. IAIA currently serves over 689 students from various national and international communities. IAIA offers both two-year and four-year degrees in Cinematic Arts, Creative Writing, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, and Studio Arts. IAIA introduced its first Masters in Fine Arts program in Creative Writing in 2013.
Scholarship Requirements
Competitive Scholarships have varying criteria funded by external donors and require applicants to submit an essay for consideration. If selected, students generally only receive one IAIA Named or AICF-TCU Competitive Scholarship (excluding the AICF-Full Circle). Scholarships typically require a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and current enrollment in a certificate or undergraduate degree-seeking program.
| Essay Topic | How will completing your academic program impact the local, state, national, global, or Indigenous community? |
| Rubric | Download and view the 2020–2021 IAIA Scholarship Rubric. View a sample essay (2020_2021_iaia_janedoe.docx). |
| Required | Essay must not exceed 300 words and must address the essay topic. Hint: Use the word count feature in Microsoft Word. |
| Required | Do not put your name anywhere in the essay. This helps preserve the anonymity of your submission. |
| Required | Essays must be submitted in a Microsoft Word (.doc or .doxc format). |
| Required | Essays must be submitted online by the deadline on Mon. Aug. 24, 2020, 8 am (MST). Essays submitted to IAIA staff or faculty will not be accepted. |
| Required | Students may only submit one essay. Submissions after your first essay will not be accepted or considered. |
| Preferred | 12pt font, Double-spaced, 1-inch margins |
Scholarship Award Process and Timeline
| Date | Time | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., May 1 | Scholarship process open for 2020–2021—start application | |
| Mon., Aug. 17 | First Day of Classes | |
| Wed., Aug. 19 | 12–5 pm | Essay Workshop Online (ZOOM Q&A with Financial Aid Advisor 12–12:30 pm | Password: 255083) |
| Thurs., Aug. 20 | 2–9 pm | Essay Workshop Online (ZOOM Q&A with Financial Aid Advisor 2–2:30 pm | Password: 148150) |
| Sat., Aug. 22 | 1–5 pm | Essay Workshop Learning Lab and Online (ZOOM Q&A with Financial Aid Advisor 1–1:30 pm | Password: 642490) |
| Sun., Aug. 23 | 1–5 pm | Essay Workshop Learning Lab |
| Weekdays & Weekends | Essay Assistance by Appointment (www.iaia.edu/learninglab) | |
| Mon., Aug. 24 | 8 am | IAIA Scholarship Application and Essay Due |
| Mon., Sept. 7 | Noon | AICF Profile, TCU Application, and FAFSA Due |
| Fri., Sept. 11 | Award recipients notified via email | |
| Mon., Nov. 2 | Scholarship process opens for 2020–2021 (Incoming Spring Students, due January 2021) |
Scholarship App Deadline Aug. 24, 2020
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Scott Whitaker
Financial Aid Director
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5724
E scott.whitaker@iaia.edu
Leah Boss
(Laguna, Hopi, and Akimel O’Odham)
Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisor
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5737
E lboss@iaia.edu
