American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS)

About the Program

Officially adopted by the NSCDA as a national project in the 1930s, the American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS) gives students of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing, healthcare, and health education. The scholarship is specifically designed to assist students who, following graduation, plan to work on reservations or in hospitals that serve Native populations with the goal of improving healthcare within those communities.

The scholarship recipient will be granted $1,500 each semester, so long as they remain in good academic standing. Scholarship award use is restricted to tuition and other specific academic expenses.

Qualifications

To qualify for the American Indian Medical Scholarship, applicants must be:

• Enrolled in a tribe or village. If not enrolled, students may be considered if they can prove direct tribal ancestry.
• Focused on a career goal directly related to the healthcare needs of American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Hawaiian Native communities.
• In need of financial assistance.
• A high school graduate, in the last semester of high school, or have equivalent education. Post-graduate students are also eligible.
• Enrolled in an accredited school.
• Enrolled in a professional health program, having achieved good scholastic standing in pre-nursing or pre-med program OR enrolled in a health care or health education program.
• Expected to graduate two years after enrollment (Associate’s degree) OR expected to graduate four years after enrollment (Bachelor’s degree).
• In good academic standing as required by their school.
• Recommended by a counselor, teacher, or other school official