Opportunities for Native American / Indigenous Students
19 opportunities specifically for native american / indigenous students.
Clinical Pharmacist – Indian Health Service (Multiple Locations incl. Nebraska)
Indian Health Service – Department of Health and Human Services
The Indian Health Service is hiring clinical pharmacists at locations across the country, including Winnebago, Nebraska, to provide pharmaceutical care to American Indian and Alaska Native patients. Pharmacists manage chronic disease patients, dispense medications, advise health care teams, and maintain medication records. This is a permanent federal position with strong pay and benefits, including potential student loan repayment assistance. Recruitment and relocation bonuses may be available.
September 30, 2026
Outpatient Nurse (Registered Nurse) – Indian Health Service (Multiple Locations incl. Nebraska)
Indian Health Service – Department of Health and Human Services
The Indian Health Service is hiring outpatient registered nurses at facilities nationwide, including Winnebago, Nebraska, to deliver care to American Indian and Alaska Native patients across all age groups. Nurses perform patient assessments, administer medications, coordinate care, and provide health education in ambulatory clinic settings. Positions may be full-time, part-time, or intermittent, with rotating shifts. Recruitment and relocation sign-on bonuses may be available for eligible candidates.
September 30, 2026
Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Practice Nurse) – Indian Health Service (Multiple Locations incl. Nebraska)
Indian Health Service – Department of Health and Human Services
The Indian Health Service is hiring nurse practitioners at sites across the country, including Winnebago, Nebraska, to provide advanced clinical care to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, develop treatment plans, and educate patients about managing chronic conditions. This is a permanent federal position with competitive pay and potential recruitment or relocation bonuses. Student loan repayment programs may also be available.
September 30, 2026
NSF INCLUDES Initiative — Expanding Access to STEM for Underrepresented Communities
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF initiative funds organizations and institutions working to increase participation of underrepresented groups — including women, people with disabilities, and racial minorities — in STEM education and careers. Grants support collaborative projects that create systemic change in how STEM opportunities are accessed across communities. Local nonprofits, schools, and universities in Omaha and Council Bluffs can apply for funding to develop inclusive STEM programs. This is an institutional grant, not a direct award to individual students.
October 27, 2026
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF program provides funding to colleges and universities to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who earn degrees in STEM fields. Alliances of institutions work together to support Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other underrepresented students through academic support, research experiences, and mentorship. Universities in Nebraska and Iowa can apply to join or form alliances under this program. Students benefit indirectly through their institution's participation.
November 20, 2026
Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF program funds the creation and development of research centers at minority-serving colleges and universities to enhance their capacity in STEM research. Funded centers provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on research experiences alongside faculty. Institutions in Nebraska and Iowa that qualify as minority-serving can apply to establish or expand a CREST center. Students at participating schools gain access to funded research opportunities.
December 4, 2026
NIH Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program (T34)
National Institutes of Health – National Institute of General Medical Sciences
This grant funds universities to create structured research training programs for undergraduate students in the biomedical sciences, with a focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds. Participating students gain hands-on laboratory research experience, mentorship, and preparation for graduate school or health careers. Students apply to their university's T34 program rather than directly to NIH. Universities in Omaha with strong biomedical programs may be eligible to apply for or already hold this type of award.
September 25, 2028
American Indian College Fund — College Scholarships
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund is the largest provider of Native American college scholarships in the nation, awarding more than $20 million annually. Over 300 scholarship opportunities are available for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students in all fields of study, with special awards for STEM, education, business, health sciences, and more. Average scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $3,000. Applications open February 1 each year, with a priority deadline of May 31. The College Fund provides one-on-one scholarship support — contact scholarships@collegefund.org or 800-987-3863.
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Little Priest Tribal College — Tribal Community College in Winnebago, NE
Little Priest Tribal College
Little Priest Tribal College is a two-year tribal college in Winnebago, Nebraska, serving the Winnebago Tribe and surrounding communities. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs with in-state tuition of $5,400 per year. The college provides an affordable, culturally grounded pathway to higher education.
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Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs (NCIA) is the official state liaison between Nebraska's tribal nations and state government. The Commission works to identify and eliminate barriers for Nebraska tribes and Native citizens in housing, employment, education, healthcare, economic development, and civil rights. NCIA serves off-reservation Native communities across Nebraska — including the significant urban Native population in the Omaha metro — and can provide referrals to tribal services, state programs, and advocacy resources. Contact the Commission at (402) 471-3475 for referrals and assistance.
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BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship — Native American Students (through AISES)
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) / BNSF Railway Foundation
If you are a Council Bluffs student with American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander heritage, and you are going into a STEM or business field — this scholarship is renewable, $2,500 per year, and the June deadline gives you time to prepare a strong application. The BNSF Railway Foundation funds this scholarship through AISES (the American Indian Science and Engineering Society). Iowa is a BNSF-served state, which means Iowa students are eligible. You apply through AISES at aises.org/scholarships. You will need: proof of tribal enrollment or heritage, a 3.0+ GPA, and a plan to study engineering, science, technology, or business. This is one of the most accessible renewable scholarships for Native students in the Iowa/Nebraska region with a realistic spring deadline.
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Native Forward Scholars Fund — Scholarships & Fellowships
Native Forward Scholars Fund
Native Forward Scholars Fund offers 30+ scholarships and fellowships for Native students at every level — undergraduate through professional and doctoral degrees. Award amounts range from $100 to $30,000, with specialized awards for STEM, law, medicine, business, and other graduate fields. Native Forward also offers Student Access Funding to help cover graduate or professional exam costs (LSAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) and related preparatory expenses. A Tribal Eligibility Certificate (TEC) or equivalent tribal documentation is required.
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Iowa State University — George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Award (Full Tuition)
Iowa State University Office of Admissions
The George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Award is one of Iowa State University's most prestigious and competitive scholarships — covering full Iowa in-state tuition for exceptional student leaders. Named for George Washington Carver (who attended ISU), this award is specifically for students with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership, with a focus on underrepresented student groups. A separate competitive application is required. Recipients participate in a cohort leadership experience and have access to dedicated support resources. Full in-state tuition at ISU is approximately $9,500-$10,000/year (verify current rate) — making this a scholarship worth approximately $38,000-$40,000 over four years. Apply by the Carver application deadline — this is typically earlier than the general March 1 admission deadline (verify exact date at iastate.edu). COUNCIL BLUFFS STUDENTS: You are Iowa residents and fully eligible. The Carver Award has historically been particularly accessible to CB students because Iowa residency is inherent to the award. If you are a CB student from an underrepresented background with strong academics and leadership, this scholarship is worth a focused application. STACKING: Carver Award recipients do NOT also receive automatic merit tier awards (Loyal/Forever/True Scholar). Carver replaces them — it is a higher award.
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Ponca Tribe of Nebraska — Omaha Behavioral Health & Social Services
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska operates a social services and behavioral health office in Omaha, providing drug and alcohol counseling, individual and family counseling, and youth prevention services. The Ponca Department of Social Services focuses on improving the lives of tribal members and their families, with special emphasis on children, youth, and elders. Behavioral health services are available in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Niobrara, and Sioux City (IA).
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Civic Nebraska — Civic Leadership & Voter Engagement
Civic Nebraska
Civic Nebraska is a statewide nonprofit that strengthens civic participation through youth leadership, civic health programs, and voting rights initiatives. Programs include Nebraska's Kid Governor (statewide youth civic leadership program), voter registration and education outreach, and the annual State of Civic Life Conference. The 2026 State of Civic Life Conference is scheduled for May 19, 2026 in Lincoln. Civic Nebraska also publishes the Nebraska Civic Health Index and advocates for policies that expand civic participation and voting access.
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Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
Established in 1998 by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center is the primary urban Indian health facility in Omaha, serving American Indians and others eligible for Indian Health Services. Located in South Omaha, the center provides medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, physical therapy, social services, substance abuse counseling, and youth services. The clinic team is trained in culturally sensitive, family-centered care and reflects the health needs and traditions of the Native communities it serves.
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Iowa State University — First Cyclones Scholarship (Full Tuition, First-Generation Students)
Iowa State University Office of Admissions
The First Cyclones Scholarship is a full Iowa in-state tuition scholarship at Iowa State University specifically for first-generation college students and underrepresented students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential. "First Cyclones" acknowledges students who would be the first in their family to earn a college degree — one of the defining identities of many Omaha and Council Bluffs area students. This is a competitive award requiring a separate application. Recipients are among the most accomplished applicants in ISU's pool and represent a commitment by ISU to build a diverse, first-generation-friendly campus. Full in-state tuition value is approximately $9,500-$10,000/year — approximately $38,000-$40,000 over four years (verify current rate). Apply by the First Cyclones scholarship deadline — this may be earlier than the general admission deadline (verify at iastate.edu). COUNCIL BLUFFS STUDENTS: If you would be the first in your family to attend college, the First Cyclones Scholarship was created for you. CB first-generation students are Iowa residents — they pay in-state tuition and are fully eligible to compete for this award. This is one of ISU's highest-profile equity scholarships. STACKING: Full-tuition competitive awards like First Cyclones do NOT stack with automatic merit tier awards.
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Nebraska Indian Community College — Macy, NE
Nebraska Indian Community College
Nebraska Indian Community College is a tribally controlled college located in Macy, Nebraska, offering associate degrees and certificate programs at about $4,080 per year in tuition. The college is dedicated to serving Native American students and communities in Nebraska. Programs blend academic coursework with cultural preservation and community development.
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Omaha Tribe Higher Education Scholarship Program
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska administers the Higher Education Program to provide financial assistance to eligible Omaha Indian students pursuing a degree or eligible certificate. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for full-time students, covering tuition, fees, and books based on unmet financial need. Part-time students may receive funding for books, tuition, and fees only. Additional TC Energy scholarships ($2,500–$5,000) are available for trades, Indigenous legacy, and STEM fields. Applications must be submitted with a complete financial aid package — contact the Higher Ed Office for current requirements.
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