Scholar Components
Quick Access
American Indian College Fund Scholarship Application Portal
How to Find Your Application ID Number
How to Find Your Coach
How to Find Your Scholarship Components Status
How to Update My Information
Recordings Library
Important Deadlines
February 2026
- February 1 – American Indian College Fund 2026-2027 scholarship application opens
- February 1 at 6:00 PM MST – 2026-2027 College Fund Scholarship Kickoff webinar – Watch the recording here.
- February 16 – Spring Student Professional Development Grant application opens
- February 23 – Student Ambassador Program application opens
- February 23 at 6:00 PM MST – Spring 2026 Scholar Meet and Greet (Required Scholar Component) – Register Here.
- February 24 at 6:00 PM MST – Cybersecurity: Keeping our communities safe online! – Register Here.
- February 26 at 4:00 PM MST – Spring Student Professional Development Grant Information Session – Register Here.
- February 27 – Spring Student Professional Development Grant application closes
March 2026
- March 16 at 9:00 PM MDT – Vibrant Identities Sticker Competition Opens
- March 18 at 6:00 PM MDT – Hear From Reviewers & Scholars: Tips to Strengthen Your Application webinar – Register Here.
April 2026
- April 7 at 6:00 PM MDT – Scholarship Opportunities for California Tribal Members webinar – Registration Here.
- April 17 – Student Ambassador Program application closes
- April 20 – Student Scholar Survey Opens – Survey will be emailed directly to Scholars
- April 23 at 6:00 PM MDT – Q & A with the College Fund Scholarships Team webinar – Register Here.
May 2026
- May 26 at 6:00 PM MDT – Last Minute Scholarship Questions Webinar – Register Here.
- May 31 – American Indian College Fund 2026-2027 scholarship application priority deadline
We’re With You, Every Step of the Way!
College can come with unexpected twists, and you don’t have to face them alone. If something gets tough, reach out to your College Success Coach as soon as you can. We’re here to listen, support you, and walk alongside you.
At the College Fund, we believe in your goals, your strength, and the power of Native students showing up, speaking out, and graduating. We know you’re not just doing this for yourself, and you’re carrying all of your communities with you. Education is the answer, and let’s follow through together!
College Success Coaches
Coach Annamarie (she/her/hers)
Tohono O’odham
Program Administrator, Career Readiness & Employment
S-ke:g Tas (Good Day)! I’m Annamarie, The Program Administrator for Career Readiness and Employment at American Indian College Fund. I was born and raised on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Southern Arizona. Despite being a high school drop out and a teenage parent I managed to attain my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Public Administration, Business Management, and Organizational Behavior. My journey at the University of Arizona was a struggle being non-traditional and being a first generation college student.
Attaining my degree opened up career opportunities that led me to service my community at Tohono O’odham Community College in various positions. It also allowed me to get a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. This experience was completely different then my undergraduate experience because I was not struggling financially and work supported by providing a scholarship, time off for class, and it was done with a cohort. I am passionate about working with native students to help them navigate the system and connect them to resources that will enrich their educational journey.
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… a few habits that helped me during college was realizing my learning style as a visual learner. It helped me find out what worked best for me when studying and organizing my calendar. Being organized became an important aspect of my daily life by utilizing planner and this is an important part of my life to this day.
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… I once attended an event and heard an older scholar share that he treated school like a job. He would be on campus from 8-5 everyday for classes and study which allowed him to be successful. Another important piece of wisdom is to find something that you want to focus your energy into to create change in your community because it allows you to find your passion.
Ask Me About….
- Study Skills
- Time management
- Internships, Transfer process, resume writing
- Career Exploration
Contact Annamarie
📧 astevens@collegefund.org
📞 720-214-2556
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Coach Erin (she/her/hers)
Rosebud/Oglala
Program Associate, College Success
Hello! I’m Erin, one of the College Success Coaches at the College Fund. I’m an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and Oglala on my paternal side. I am currently based in Denver, CO. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Native American studies from MSU Denver, being the first in my family to graduate from college. I look forward to assisting you in your educational journey!
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… to seek out any and all resource offices, such as Student Life, Native American Student Support Services, Career Services, TRIO offices, etc. These offices are there for your benefit and have a plethora of resources that often go untouched if they aren’t asked about.
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… go at your own pace! Education will always be there, and you are the expert in what you know best. Our paths are all different and unique, so take your time and remember to enjoy the view.
Ask Me About….
- Information on transferring schools
- How to find resources on campus
- TRIO programs at your school
Contact Erin
📧 eredshirt@collegefund.org
📞 866-724-8619
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Coach Lara (she/her/hers)
Arikara, Hidatsa, Oglala
Program Associate, College Success
Nawah (Hello)! My name is Lara, and I am one of the College Success Coaches here at the College Fund. I’m an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in New Town, North Dakota, and Oglala from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Black Hills State University. I am excited to be working with you this year and supporting your educational journey! Toksa Ake (See you later)!
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… checking my email before my first and last class each day. I was very busy in college, so checking my emails frequently was the best option for me.
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… make up a question to ask, even if you understand the material.
Ask Me About….
- Our First Year Experience Events
Contact Lara
📧 lnobraid@collegefund.org
📞 720-214-2558
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Coach Loyola (she/her/hers)
Diné Navajo
Program Associate, College Success
Hello! I’m Meadow People, born for the Mexican people; my maternal grandfather was Two Rivers Flow Together and my paternal grandfather was Mexican. I am from Coyote Canyon, NM and reside in Albuquerque, NM. I graduated from Brown University with Honors in Ethnic Studies and received my Masters in Education with a concentration in Higher Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. I have been with the American Indian College Fund since 2022 and have immensely enjoyed my time here. I look forward to supporting our Full Circle Scholars.
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… attend any and all events that were interesting to me. It was scary at first going places not knowing anyone there but it eventually opened up to my self-confidence and knowledge.
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… do not let disrespect go without addressing it. How you are treated sets the pace for future interactions and how others treat you.
Ask Me About….
- How to prepare for national exams like the GRE, MCAT, LAST
- Higher Education experiences
- Conferences to attend and how to prepare
Contact Loyola
📧 lrankin@collegefund.org
📞 720-214-2564
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Coach Shawn (he/his/him)
Diné Navajo
Program Associate, College Success
Greetings from the Southwest! I’m Shawn and I am from the Navajo Nation. I have received my BA in Business and Wellness and my MBA from Arizona State University. I have a passion for supporting my Indigenous communities and have worked in a variety of fields over the years from tribal leadership consulting to overseeing native non-profit focused programs. I am excited to be in your support group as your Success Coach here at the College Fund!
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… asking questions and staying disciplined in setting a routine and sticking to it. Schedules can get hectic and change, but staying consistent is key.
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… acknowledging when you need help and where/how to locate the resources to assist.
Ask Me About….
- Anything and everything business related
- Being a student and taking risks
- Career and educational opportunities
Contact Shawn
📧 sbitsui@collegefund.org
📞 720-214-2559
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Coach Tami (she/her/hers)
Diné Navajo
Program Associate, College Success
Hello! My name is Tami! I am one of the College Success Coaches. I am from the Four Corners area in New Mexico and from the Navajo Nation. I graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Chemistry. I’m currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at New Mexico State University. I’m excited to be part of the American Indian College Fund team and to support our Full Circle Scholars on their academic and career journeys.
A habit that helped me succeed in college was… checking my email everyday. Assignments and exam deadlines can change. Classes can be cancelled. Internship opportunities can be sent from your professors. Check your email everyday!
A piece of wisdom I carry with me is… you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Take it one step at a time and take a deep breath!
Ask Me About….
- Public health-related topics
- College success strategies
- Networking
Contact Tami
📧 tbenally@collegefund.org
📞 720-214-3977
🖥️ Schedule a virtual meeting with me
Recordings Library
Webinar Recordings Coming Soon!
Each semester, you’ll be expected to attend scholarly events and complete an event evaluation for each one you attend. Your submitted evaluations are how we track and confirm your attendance. Participating and completing your scholarship components are required each semester, and are part of keeping your scholarship in good standing.
Couldn’t make it to a live session? No worries! You’ll be able to come back here anytime to watch recordings of past events and still submit your evaluations for credit.
✨ Stay tuned—the recording from our Spring Meet & Greet will be available soon!
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your College Success Coach at any time.
Native Student Wellness Throughout the Year
Mental Wellness Talking Circles Sessions
6:00pm-7:00pm (MST)
Mental Wellness Talking Circles are a seven-part series per semester hosted by Jacelyn Salabye. These sessions cover topics related to mental health for Native students as requested by Full Circle Scholars. Topics include: Mental Strength, Healthy Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Self-Respect and Self-Care, Relationship Management, and others.
Relative Support Series: Auntie Hour & Unc Hour
Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm (MST)
These hour-long sessions are short group sessions to support scholars’ mental wellness through relationship building. Topics addressed will very by week; all are welcome.
Relative Support One-on-One Sessions
30 Minute Sessions
Schedule your one-on-one session with Aunt Teri or Unc Jonathan via their Calendly.
Additional Mental Wellness Resources for Students
We have carefully curated a list of mental wellness resources, websites, apps and more designed to support you. These tools are here to provide comfort, guidance, and professional support, empowering you to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Student Professional Development Grants
Student Professional Development (SPD) grants provide experiential learning opportunities that boost your professional literacy and open doors to exciting career possibilities. As you develop your professional skills, you can gain a deeper understanding of your future employment options.
Grant Details
This opportunity is only available for current American Indian College Fund scholars. You will be asked to include your Scholarship Application ID number. If awarded, you will receive $2500, depending upon your project’s focus, outcomes, and duration outlined in your application.
Scholars can only be awarded one SPD Grant per academic year.
All applications will be reviewed by a committee and scored on a sliding scale. If you are awarded, you will be contacted directly by the American Indian College Fund.
SPD Timeline:
- Application open – Monday, February 16, 2026
- Informational Session on Zoom – Thursday, February 25, 2026 @ 4:00 PM. MST – Registration Here.
- Application Closes: Friday, February 27, 2026 @ 11:59 PM MST
Student Ambassador Program
The American Indian College Fund Ambassador Program was established to have scholar voices represented at the College Fund and to strengthen scholars’ personal and professional skills. This program is ideal for those that would like to share their story of being an Indigenous scholar and how the College Fund impacted their journey.
Program Details:
This role is volunteer based, public facing, and not a staff position at the College Fund. Being an Ambassador is a commitment to promoting the College Fund and does not have an end date.
Ambassadors use their stories to spread awareness about the College Fund’s services and programs.
10 – 12 Ambassadors will be selected for every cohort.
Program Expectations:
Details about the College Fund’s Ambassador Program include but are not limited to the following expectations:
- Active Time Period: Minimum of one year
- Mandatory Training: 5-day in-person orientation and skill-building training that will include learning about aspect of the College Fund’s work and a photoshoot. Ambassadors are required to attend and be present the entirety of the training.
- Virtual Trainings: Monthly sessions may include attending webinars, briefings, meetings, or Ambassadors hosting presentations to the College Fund staff.
- Skill Development: Presentation Skills, Power of Storytelling, Public Speaking, Advocacy, and Promoting the College Fund.
- Travel and Promotion: Ambassador will share their developed story through public speaking or written statements to participate in fundraising efforts and promotional events.
Program Eligibility:
American Indian College Fund Ambassador Program applicants must:
- Be a member of a state or federally recognized Tribe or a documented descendant of a member of a state or federally recognized Tribe.
- Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, if currently enrolled.
- Be a current or past recipient of an American Indian College Fund scholarship: either the Tribal College or University (TCU) scholarship or Full Circle scholar.
- Be a leader or actively engaged student in their community or college/university.
Provide a required reference from staff or faculty at the college/university attending. - Be able to commit a minimum of one year to active program participation.
- Preferred applicants can be a currently enrolled student or alumnus/alumna of a
- Tribal College or University; mainstream college or university students are also eligible to apply.
Program Timeline:
Application Opens: Monday, February 23, 2026
Application Closes: Friday, April 17, 2026
