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IAIA 2021–2022 Undergraduate Scholarship Application

Mar 4, 2021

2019 Scholarship Awards Luncheon

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 847 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, Performing Arts, 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 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) or higher and must be accepted in an undergraduate certificate, associates or bachelors degree program. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time (6+ credit hours).

Essay TopicWhat are your educational and career goals and how will this scholarship help you achieve them?
RubricDownload and view the 2021–2022 IAIA Scholarship Rubric. View a sample essay (2021_iaia_susan_picotte.docx).
RequiredEssay must not exceed 300 words and must address the essay topic. Hint: Use the word count feature in Microsoft Word.
RequiredDo not put your name anywhere in the essay. This helps preserve the anonymity of your submission.
RequiredEssays must be submitted in a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx format).
RequiredEssays must be submitted online by the deadline on Monday, August 30, 2021, 8 am (MST). Essays submitted to IAIA staff or faculty will not be accepted.
RequiredStudents may only submit one essay. Submissions after your first essay will not be accepted or considered.
Preferred12pt font, Double-spaced, 1-inch margins

Scholarship Award Process and Timeline

DateTimeProcess
Mon., Mar. 1Scholarship process open for 2021–2022—start application
Weekdays & WeekendsEssay Assistance by Appointment (www.iaia.edu/learninglab)
Wed., Aug. 1112–12:30 pmIAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting)
Mon., Aug. 16First Day of Classes
Wed., Aug. 1812–1 pmIAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting)
Wed., Aug. 2512–1 pmIAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting)
Thurs., Aug. 2612–1 pmIAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting)
Sat., Aug. 2812–1 pmIAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting)
Mon., Aug. 308 amIAIA Scholarship Application and Essay Due
Mon., Sept. 61 pmAICF Student Profile and AICF Application
Tues., Sept. 7Midnight2020–2021 FAFSA Due (only if not already submitted)
Fri., Sept. 10Award recipients notified via email
Wed., Sept. 1512–1 pmScholarship Awards Luncheon
Mon., Nov. 1Scholarship process opens for 2022 New Students Only

“I would like to thank any and all scholarship donors for your generous contribution to my education. Returning to school to complete my bachelor’s degree after a 20-year absence to raise my four children has been financially challenging, but with your financial generosity and commitment to student success, I am able to take this risk with less fear and more optimism. From the deepest parts of my heart and soul, thank you for your investment in my personal future!”
Tina Sparks

IAIA Alumna ’19

“Scholarships are beneficial for students who find it necessary to have some type of monetary assistance. Many students are not born privileged in a sense where they do have to worry about where money is coming from because not all can depend on their parents or family in general. Higher education comes with a price tag. Scholarships help me focus more on my classes than having the burden of whether or not I’m able to fund my education each semester.”
Caleigh Benally (Navajo)

IAIA Student

Scholarship App Deadline Aug. 30, 2021

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Scott Whitaker

Scott Whitaker

Financial Aid Director
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5724
E scott.whitaker@iaia.edu

Leah Boss

Leah Boss

(Laguna, Hopi, and Akimel O’Odham)

Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisor
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5737
E lboss@iaia.edu