IAIA 2021 Spring 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 801 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) for Spring 2021.
| Essay Topic | How will completing your academic program impact the local, state, national, global, or Indigenous community? |
| Rubric | Download and view the 2021 Spring IAIA Scholarship Rubric. View a sample essay (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 .docx format). |
| Required | Essays must be submitted online by the deadline on Tues., Jan. 26, 2021, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tues., Dec. 1 | Scholarship process open for Spring 2021—start application | |
| Tues., Jan. 19 | First Day of Classes | |
| Wed., Jan. 20 | 12–12:30 pm | IAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting link and password in Canvas Student HUB) |
| Fri., Jan. 22 | 12–12:30 pm | IAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting link and password in Canvas Student HUB) |
| Sat., Jan. 23 | 11–11:30 am | IAIA Scholarship Process Q&A with Financial Aid Staff (ZOOM video meeting link and password in Canvas Student HUB) |
| Weekdays & Weekends | Essay Assistance by Appointment (www.iaia.edu/learninglab) | |
| Tues., Jan. 26 | 8 am | IAIA Scholarship Application and Essay Due |
| Sun., Jan. 31 | Midnight | AICF Student Profile and AICF Application |
| Tues., Feb. 9 | Noon | 2020–2021 FAFSA Due (only if not already submitted) |
| Fri., Feb. 12 | Award recipients notified via email | |
| Mon., Mar. 1 | Scholarship process opens for 2021–2022 for New and Continuing Students |
Scholarship App Deadline Jan. 26, 2021
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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
