Ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day, Indiana University Bloomington has announced it will establish a scholarship and support program for students from Indigenous communities across the United States who have historically been excluded from opportunity and access to higher education.

The First Nations Scholarship Program will cover the direct cost of attendance, plus books and supplies, as well as provide support programming for four years. All incoming undergraduate Native students who are represented in federally recognized tribal affiliation data, provide official documentation of their tribal identification and have financial need are eligible. The program will be available beginning with those applying for the fall 2024 term.

“This scholarship and support program directly supports the IU 2030 strategic plan, most clearly our commitment to affordability and transformative student experience,” Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion James C. Wimbush said. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity for our university to highlight our commitment to diversity and inclusion, including historically underrepresented Indigenous students.”

In addition to the scholarship’s financial support and general student success initiatives and services available on the Bloomington campus, students in the First Nations Scholarship Program will have access to:

• The support and services of the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center and the Office of Scholarships.
• All Hoosier Scholar activities and events.
• A dedicated IU student mentor through Mentor Collective.

“This new scholarship and commitment are important steps toward enhancing access to IU for Indigenous students,” IU Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Rahul Shrivastav said. “Our community is enriched by their presence and engagement here, and these programs are excellent examples of IU’s active focus on student success.”