American Indian and Alaska Native students can now apply for the Indian Health Service Scholarship Program. Eligible students can apply at www.scholarship.ihs.gov/. New applicants must submit an application by March 28 and continuing students must apply by Feb. 28.
The Indian Health Service Scholarship Program offers American Indian/Alaska Native students three different scholarship options.
- Preparatory Scholarship Program
The Preparatory Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally or state-recognized) students only to enroll in compensatory or preparatory courses in preparation for entry to health professional schools, such as medical, nursing, pharmacy and others as needed. Compensatory courses are those required to improve science, mathematics or other basic skills and knowledge. Preparatory courses are pre-professional studies required in order to qualify for admission to a health professions program.
- Pre-Graduate Scholarship Program
The Pre-Graduate Scholarship Program provides financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally or state-recognized) students only to enroll in courses leading to a bachelor's degree in specific pre-professional areas, such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and others as needed by Indian health programs.
- Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Health Professions Scholarship Program is for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally recognized only) students enrolled in health professions and allied health professions programs. Students incur service obligations and payback requirements on acceptance of funding from this program. Priority is given to graduate students and junior- and senior-level students unless otherwise specified.
Scholarship Application Changes
New Applicants: Two copies of your application and supporting documentation must be mailed to your Area Scholarship Coordinator's office postmarked no later than March 28, 2010.
Continuation Applicants: Your Data Sheet and supporting documentation must be mailed to your Grants Scholarship Coordinator postmarked no later than the February 28, 2010.
Applicants must submit a 2010 Form W-4 with their supporting documentation. Do not use the form included in your handbook. Go to the IRS Web site to download the correct form.
Download the new IHS Scholarship Program Policy Clarifications Memo (PDF - 62KB) for updated policies on enrollment and course verification, requests for discipline changes, leave of absence, deferment and breach of contract and default.
About the Program
Indian health programs need dedicated health and allied health professionals to fill staffing needs -- people who envision a career with a purpose and mission, and who are willing to commit to working in Indian communities where they can truly make a difference.
The mission of IHS is to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. The IHS Scholarship Program gives many qualified health professionals the opportunity to pursue their careers and help their communities.
The first IHS scholarship was awarded in 1977. Since then, millions of dollars have been awarded to American Indian and Alaska Native students to help them reach their career goals and dreams, while helping IHS to fulfill its mission: to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, download the IHS Application Handbook
Posted 01/07/10 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.
