New York State Indian Aid Program Information
Background (Article 83, Education Law) In 1953, the New York State Legislature authorized Education Law Section 4118 which provides funding for American Indian students from tribes located within the State. Eligible American Indian students can receive grant awards of up to $2,000 per year for attending any approved, accredited postsecondary institution in New York State.
Eligibility (Commissioner's Regulations Subpart 145-4)
In order to be eligible to receive New York State Indian Aid, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must be a resident of New York State and be on an official tribal membership roll of a New York State tribe or be the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe. New York State tribes include members of the Iroquoian tribes (St. Regis Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca Nation, Tonawanda Band of Seneca, and Tuscarora), the Shinnecock tribe, and the Unkechaug (Poospatuck) tribe. An official tribal roll is a list of individuals designated by the tribal authorities as members of their tribe.
- The student must have graduated from an accredited high school, attained a high school equivalency diploma, or be enrolled in a special program at an approved, accredited postsecondary institution which will lead to degree status and a high school equivalency diploma.
- The student must be enrolled in an approved program offered by a college, university, technical school, school of nursing, business, or trade school located in New York State. Approved programs include collegiate and noncollegiate programs which are registered by the New York State Education Department.
- Awards are based on the number of credit hours in which a student enrolls during the semester, with a maximum award of $1,000 for Full-time (12+ credit hours). Part time (less than 12 credits) is funded at $85 per credit hour.
How to Apply
Helpful Tips for Completing the Forms
- Request Forms that fail to adhere to the guidelines and deadlines will be denied.
- Request Forms must be completely filled out. Do not leave any information blank.
- All supporting documents should be included with the request form. Required information not accompanying the Request Form must be submitted by the deadline.
More Information
More information is available on the NYS Indigenous Education webpage.
