American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS)

The American Indian Medical Scholarship, commonly known as AIMS, was established by the National Society of the Colonial Dames as one of its first educational projects.  In 1928, the Pennsylvania Society set up a Nursing Scholarship for two Native American women, already accepted by a Pennsylvania Nursing School, though lacking the financial resources to attend.  Once funded by the NSCDA scholarships, the nursing scholars agreed to return to serve their native communities with fully accredited nursing degrees.

Today, AIMS offers 16 scholarships to all Native American youths across all 50 states.  An AIMS scholarship provides them $1,500 per semester for up to 8 semesters.  AIMS applicants are certified members of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native tribal groups.

Our current AIMS Scholars attend 15 schools across 11 states.  These scholars specialize in a wide range of health-related degrees, ranging from nursing at college and post-grad level to post graduate medical degrees.  They commit themselves to return and serve their native communities.  NSCDA members are committed to continued growth in both the number of AIMS scholarships and scholars.  As AIMS approaches its 100th birthday, our NSCDA supporters aspire to provide 20 or more scholarships.

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

• AIMS New Applicants Application
• AIMS Renewal/Transfer Applications

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