ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Indian Aid
The ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Indian Aid program (NYSIA) provides grants for eligible students enrolled in approved programs at approved NYS institutions of higher education. The program is administered by the Office of Indigenous Education (OIE) and they can be reached at indigenouseducation@nysed.gov or (518) 474-0537.
The current level of funding and enrollment allows for up to $1,000 per semester (fall, spring, and summer) for full time students. Part-time students receive a prorated amount based on $85 per credit hour.Ìý Funding is subject to availability, and it is possible that spring or summer could be affected.
Background (Article 83, Education Law)
In 1953, the NYS Education Law §4118 was enacted.Ìý As mentioned above, it provides funding for eligible students enrolled in approved institutions of higher education pursuing an approved undergraduate degree or certificate (2 year and 4 year).Ìý Also, grants are available for up to 5 years for baccalaureate programs requiring 5 years of study. ÌýStudents also may receive student aid for less than four years of study and for part-time study.Ìý Graduate degree or certificate programs are not supported by this program.
Eligibility (Commissioner's Regulations Subpart 145-4.2)
In order to be eligible to receive ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Indian Aid, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must be a resident of NYS and be on the official tribal roll of a NYS tribe or be the child of an enrolled member of a NYS tribal nation.Ìý NYS tribal Nations include the Haudenosaunee tribes (St. Regis Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca - Allegany, Seneca - Cattaraugus, Tonawanda Band of Seneca, and Tuscarora), the Shinnecock Nation, and the Unkechaug Nation.Ìý For students new to the program, this requirement needs to be addressed by submitting evidence of tribal membership.Ìý Further instruction can be found on the application web page.
- The student must have graduated from an accredited high school or attained a high school equivalency diploma. For students new to the program, this must be addressed by submitting proof of graduation or GED.Ìý Further instruction can be found on the application web page.
- 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 ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.Ìý It is only necessary for all applicants to provide the name of their institution of higher education on their application and for new applicants or applicants who have transferred to a new institution, a letter of acceptance from the institution.Ìý Further instructions and a link to a list of approved institutions are on the application web page (link below).Ìý Program enrollment, credits, and academic standing will be confirmed by the institution.Ìý
There are no age restrictions on eligibility for ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Indian Aid.
Application (Commissioner's Regulations Subpart 145-4.3)
Eligible students must apply to the State Education Department each semester to receive NYSIA.Ìý Students should submit application materials before July 15 for the fall semester, December 31 for the spring semester, and May 20 for the summer semester. ÌýThe winter semester is not supported by this program.Ìý Applications and new applicant documentation can be submitted in two different ways:
The NYSIA application portal is available on the application web site.Ìý
Or by US mail sent to the following address. A printable form is available on the application web site.
ºÚÁÏÉçÇø
Office of Indigenous Education
89 Washington Avenue
EB 2W Mezzanine
Albany, NY 12234
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