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Native American Jump Start’s grant programs are designed to “Jump Start” the needs of starting an internship, employment opportunities, or furthering your educational needs. We have realized that numerous ancillary costs can be a barrier to education and employment opportunities.

Native American Jump Start’s grant programs are designed to “Jump Start” the needs of starting an internship, employment opportunities, or furthering your educational needs. We have realized that numerous ancillary costs can be a barrier to education and employment opportunities. Our grant programs are designed to provide support to get your programs going or to help with these additional cost. We are here to help!

Funding for these programs is made possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters.  Without their support these programs and funding would not be possible.  We are honored to provide several different funding opportunities.  To learn more about these opportunities, please see each section below.

Native American Jump Start – Education Jump Start Grants:
For Students who have completed high school, have a GED or are already enrolled in a higher education program (Certificate Program, Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctorate degree) are eligible to apply for funding through this program. Education Jump Start Grants typically provide up to $1,000.00 in funding, however we do consider funding other amounts based on unique needs to help overcome those initial obstacles of getting your higher education “Jump Started”.  Some examples of where the funding can be applied to are: tuition, books, fees, technology (lap top, wifi expenses), school supplies, transportation and parking cost, and child care.  This list is not a complete list, should you have specific needs and would like to confirm the funds can be applied towards those cost, please reach out to us at hello@nativeamericanjumpstart.org. Please reference the eligibility requirements below to ensure your eligibility for the program.

Native American Jump Start – Employment/Internship Jump Start Grants:
For prospective employees and interns who have the opportunity to gain professional experience and have completed high school, have received a GED and have secured a job or internship offer are eligible to apply for funding through this program. Employment Jump Start Grants typically provide up to $1,000.00 in funding, however we do consider funding other amounts based on unique needs to help overcome those initial obstacles of getting your employment or internship “Jump Started”.  Some examples of where the funding can be applied to are: professional equipment, technology (lap top, Wi-Fi expenses), work supplies, transportation and parking cost, and child care.  This list is not a complete list, should you have specific needs and would like to confirm the funds can be applied towards those cost, please reach out to us at  hello@nativeamericanjumpstart.org.  Please reference the eligibility requirements below to ensure your eligibility for the program.

The Chipeta Scholarship Fund:
The Chipeta Scholarship Fund is presented in partnership with the Chipeta trading Company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The mission is to “Build a Bridge of appreciation, respect and understanding between Native Elders and ancestors whose vision, skills and talents created amazing works of historical wearable art and those who curate, caretake and pass on these wonderful works for future generations. To learn more about Chipeta Trading Company, click HERE.

The Chipeta Scholarship provides Native students seeking higher education opportunities receive funding to support their educational journey. For undergrads applying for funding the scholarship is up to $5,000.00 and for graduate students, scholarship funding is up to $10,000.00. Please reference the eligibility requirements below to ensure your eligibility for the program.

Crazy Horse Memorial – Indian University of North American Grants:
Native American Jump Start has a long-standing partnership with the Indian University of North American at the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Students accepted into the 7TH GEN Summer Program are eligible to apply for up to $1,000.00 in funding to support their experience while participating in the program.  Some examples of where the funding can be applied to are: technology (lap top, Wi-Fi expenses), school supplies, transportation and room & board. To learn more about the 7th Gen Program, click HERE.

Health Tech Academy Grants:
Native American Jump Start is honored to partner with the Health Tech Academy to provide educational and employment opportunities to the Native American Community.  Native students looking to establish a career in the health and medical profession can enroll in any of the Health Tech Academy programs and acquire the educational and professional skills needed to work in a variety of jobs in the health industry.  In many instances, participation in this program is at NO cost to the student. To learn more about Health Tech Academy Programs click HERE or reach out to the dedicated SRegional Workforce Development Manager: for Alabama, California, Florida, Washington, and Wisconsin, contact – Karla Coleman- karlacoleman@healthtechacademy.org. For Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, contact – Chester Middlebrooks – chestermiddlebrooks@healthtechacademy.org. For Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, and Oklahoma, contact – Miranda Murphey –miranda.murphey@healthtechacademy.org. Please reference the eligibility requirements below to ensure your eligibility for the program.

The Benz Experience Grants:
The Benz Experience Grant is presented in partnership with The Benz Experience. The Benz Experience is a luxury travel an experience company based in Jackson Wyoming.  They have selected Native American Jump Start as their official charity partner of their business and through the generosity of their team we are able to offer scholarships to young Native people who are pursuing opportunities at a Technical or Trade Schools and also to provide support to Native students who are student athletes in an established NCAA program.  Grants typically provide up to $1,000.00 in funding, however we do consider funding other amounts based on unique needs to help overcome those initial obstacles of getting your Technical or Trade School or Student Athlete needs “Jump Started”. To learn more about The Benz Group – Click HERE. Please reference the eligibility requirements below to ensure your eligibility for the program.

NAJS – Central Wyoming College Scholarships:
Native American Jump Start has partnered with Central Wyoming College to host the Annual Teton Powwow.  We are honored to expand on our partnership to offer scholarships to Native students attending Central Wyoming College.  To learn more about Central Wyoming College and their programs – click HERE.

Eligibility Requirements for Native American Jump Start Education and Employment Grants, Crazy Horse Memorial – Indian University of North American, The Benz Experience, and Central Wyoming College Grants:

The purpose of these grants is to provide assistance to Native students, athletes, and prospective interns and employees who express a financial gap in their ability to participate in educational, athletic, internship or employment program opportunities.  These opportunities are intended to provide relevant experience to their current field of study, employment or experience.  All applicants must have completed high school or have received a GED.  All applicants must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and provide proof of Tribal ID or CDIB.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. NAJS – Student Grant applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a higher education institution. This includes, but is not limited to a 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree program, graduate degree program, doctorate program, trade or technical school, or a certificate program.
2. NAJS – Employment Grant applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an internship program, or internship-like opportunity, have an employment offer and be able to provide verification points of contacts.  Internships must provide relevant experience to promote further career opportunities.
3. Crazy Horse Memorial / Indian University of North America Grant Applicants must have been accepted into one of the IUNA programs.
4. Chipeta Scholarship Grant applicants must meet the specific requirements associated with that scholarship program – see below for more information on Chipeta Scholarship requirements.
5. The Benz Scholarship is available for students attending trade or technical schools and is available for student athletes needing support for associated athletic costs. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a Trade or Technical school program. Student Athletes must provide proof of their involvement in their schools athletic programs.
6. Health Tech Academy Scholarship applicants must provide proof of enrollment in the Health Tech Academy Program.
7. Applicants must be able to describe the financial gap associated with accepting/attending their education, internship, employment or athletic opportunity.
8. In addition to completing this form, please write an essay (250-750 words) describing the following and upload it in PDF format:
   1. your goals for the future
   2. how the Native American Jump Start grant program would assist in achieving those goals
   3. how these goals relate to continued involvement in American Indian communities
   4. why this education, employment internship or athletic program is important to you and your future goals, career objectives, or professional development
   5. what you personally hope to gain from this experience
9. Finally, please write a short biography (150 words minimum. We recommend copying and pasting from a Word document) and a photo or headshot that you won’t mind being shared.

The Chipeta Scholarship Fund Eligibility Requirements:
The purpose of these grants is to provide assistance to Native students, athletes, and prospective interns and employees who express a financial gap in their ability to participate in educational, athletic, internship or employment program opportunities. These opportunities are intended to provide relevant experience to their current field of study, employment or experience.  All applicants must have completed high school or have received a GED.  All applicants must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and provide proof of Tribal ID or CDIB.

Other requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a higher education institution.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to be eligible to apply for the grant
• Once a grant has been awarded, recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

If you would like to apply to any our grants, please check back in Spring of 2025. Our applications for 2024 have closed.