The Cobell Scholarship:everything you need to know and how to apply

Introduction

The Cobell Scholarship is a highly sought-after scholarship that provides financial aid to Native American students. It is named after Elouise Cobell, who was a prominent advocate for Native American rights and played a key role in the landmark settlement between the US government and Native American tribes over the mismanagement of trust funds. This guide provides an overview of the Cobell Scholarship, eligibility requirements, the application process, and additional resources for Native American students.

Background Information

The Cobell Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Cobell Scholarship Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to Native American students. The scholarship is funded through a combination of private donations and proceeds from the Cobell settlement. The scholarship aims to help Native American students achieve their educational goals and become leaders in their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for The Cobell Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, be a current or prospective college student, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a degree in a field that will benefit Native American communities, such as education, health care, or tribal public policy.

Types of Scholarships

The Cobell Scholarship offers three types of scholarships:

1. Undergraduate,
2. Graduate
3. Vocational.

The undergraduate scholarship is for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, while the graduate scholarship is for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. The vocational scholarship is for students pursuing a vocational or technical program.

Application Process

The application process for the Cobell Scholarship is straightforward and requires several documents, including transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a FAFSA form and complete the Cobell Scholarship application online. The deadline for applications is typically in March, and recipients are notified in the summer.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Cobell Scholarship is competitive and involves a review of the applicant’s academic record, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community involvement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Using the Cobell Scholarship

Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum GPA and enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. Recipients must also submit a renewal application each year to continue receiving the scholarship.

Additional Resources

There are many other scholarships and resources available to Native American students, including the American Indian College Fund, the Native American Rights Fund, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Cobell Scholarship Foundation also provides additional resources, such as career development and mentoring programs.

 

Applying for the Cobell Scholarship

 

To apply for the Cobell Scholarship, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine if you are eligible: The Cobell Scholarship is for American Indian and Alaska Native students who are enrolled in federally recognized tribes and are pursuing higher education. You must also meet certain academic requirements and demonstrate financial need.
2. Gather your documents: You will need to provide documentation of your tribal enrollment, academic transcripts, and financial information. You may also need to submit essays, letters of recommendation, and other materials, depending on the scholarship program you are applying for.
3. Create an account: You can create an account on the Cobell Scholarship website and start your application. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and provide all the required information.
4. Complete the application: The application will ask for your personal information, academic history, and financial information. You will also need to answer essay questions and provide other materials as requested.
5. Submit your application: Once you have completed your application, review it carefully to ensure that all the information is accurate and complete. Then submit your application online before the deadline.
6. Follow-up: After you submit your application, you may be contacted for additional information or to schedule an interview. Be sure to respond promptly and provide any requested information.

Remember to check the Cobell Scholarship website for specific application deadlines and requirements, as they may vary depending on the scholarship program you are applying for. Good luck with your application!

Who Is Eligible for the Cobell Scholarship?

The Cobell Scholarship is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students who are enrolled in an accredited tribal college or university or are pursuing vocational or technical training. To be eligible for the Cobell Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
2. You must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
3. You must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment in, an accredited tribal college or university, or enrolled in an accredited vocational or technical program.
4. You must demonstrate financial need.
5. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
6. You must be willing to commit to serving your tribal community after graduation.

Note that preference is given to students who are members of the Cobell Scholars Program’s partner tribes, which include the Blackfeet Nation, the Chippewa Cree Tribe, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Navajo Nation.

Here are a few facts about the Cobell Scholarship:

1. The scholarship was established in 2013 in honor of Elouise Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe and a prominent advocate for Native American rights.
2. The scholarship is administered by the Cobell Scholarship Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to Native American students.
3. The scholarship is funded through a combination of private donations and proceeds from the Cobell settlement, which was a landmark settlement between the US government and Native American tribes over the mismanagement of trust funds.
4. The scholarship is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants receiving awards each year.
5. The scholarship offers three types of awards: undergraduate, graduate, and vocational, and students can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.
6. Recipients of the Cobell Scholarship are required to maintain a minimum GPA and enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
7. The scholarship is open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes who are current or prospective college students and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
8. The scholarship is intended to support students pursuing degrees in fields that will benefit Native American communities, such as education, health care, or tribal public policy.
9. The Cobell Scholarship Foundation also provides additional resources to scholarship recipients, such as career development and mentoring programs.
10. The scholarship has helped thousands of Native American students achieve their educational goals and become leaders in their communities.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Cobell Scholarship:

What is the Cobell Scholarship?

The Cobell Scholarship is a financial aid program that provides scholarships to Native American students who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or vocational degrees. It is named after Elouise Cobell, a prominent advocate for Native American rights.

Who is eligible for the Cobell Scholarship?

To be eligible for The Cobell Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, be a current or prospective college student, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a degree in a field that will benefit Native American communities.

How much money can I receive from the Cobell Scholarship?

The amount of money awarded varies, but students can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.

What can the scholarship funds be used for?

The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses.

How do I apply for the Cobell Scholarship?

Applicants must complete the Cobell Scholarship application online, submit a FAFSA form, and provide transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The deadline for applications is typically in March.

When will I find out if I have been awarded the Cobell Scholarship?

Recipients are typically notified in the summer.

What are the requirements for maintaining the Cobell Scholarship?

Recipients are required to maintain a minimum GPA and enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Recipients must also submit a renewal application each year to continue receiving the scholarship.

Are there other scholarships and resources available to Native American students?

Yes, there are many other scholarships and resources available to Native American students, such as the American Indian College Fund, the Native American Rights Fund, and the Bureau of Indian Education.

What additional resources does the Cobell Scholarship Foundation provide?

The Cobell Scholarship Foundation provides additional resources, such as career development and mentoring programs, to scholarship recipients.

How many students receive the Cobell Scholarship each year?

The number of recipients varies each year, but the Cobell Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants receive awards.