New York State Indian Aid Funding
NYS Indian Aid Program Information:
Background (Article 83, Education Law) in 1953, the New York State Legislature authorized, Education Law Section 4118 which provides funding for American Indian students from tribes located within the State. Eligible American Indian students can receive grant awards of up to $2,000 per year for attending any approved, accredited postsecondary institution in New York State. Students also may receive student aid for less than four years of study and for part-time study.
Eligibility (Commissioner's Regulations Subpart 145-4)
In order to be eligible to receive New York State Indian Aid, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must be a resident of New York State and be on an official tribal membership roll of a New York State tribe or be the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe. New York State tribes include members of the Iroquoian tribes (St. Regis Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca Nation, Tonawanda Band of Seneca, and Tuscarora), the Shinnecock tribe, and the Unkechaug (Poospatuck) tribe. An official tribal roll is a list of individuals designated by the tribal authorities as members of their tribe.
- The student must have graduated from an accredited high school, attained a high school equivalency diploma, or be enrolled in a special program at an approved, accredited postsecondary institution which will lead to degree status and to a high school equivalency diploma.
- 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 New York State. Approved programs include collegiate and noncollegiate programs which are registered by the New York State Education Department.
Awards are based on the number of credits a student is enrolled to take during the semester, with a maximum award of $1000 for Full-time (total of 12 credit hours). Part-time (less than 12 credits) is funded at $85 per credit hour.
The Native American Education Unit Staff appreciate your assistance in supporting Native American students in pursuit of their higher education success. Please do not hesitate to contact our office for further information.
Office of Indigenous Education
89 Washington Avenue, Room 1075 EBA
Albany, New York 12234
518-474-0537