The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2021-22 academic school year. Please carefully review the below information, and share widely with students and community members. This scholarship is open to any enrolled tribal member, of any age, who is pursuing a postsecondary degree at any higher education institution in Minnesota.
The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship
The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship (ECS) is an annual award administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Office of American Indian Education. This scholarship is meant to aid American Indian students in their pursuit of higher education opportunities. Awards generally range from $1,000-$4,000 per academic year, but may vary.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited tribal, public, or private college or university in the state of Minnesota.
Applicants must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits.
Undergraduate applicants must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on their educational transcripts.
Graduate applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on their educational transcripts.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities within the American Indian community.
Individuals related to an MDE employee are not eligible to apply.
Applicant Submissions Must Include the Following:
A fully filled out application. Please type or print legibly.
Unofficial school transcripts. Transcripts must reflect your career cumulative GPA from all attempted postsecondary credits. This includes Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) credits and transfer credits from previously attended institutions.
Proof of your enrollment in a federally recognized tribe. We accept copies of enrollment papers as well as tribal IDs. If either item reflects a name that you no longer legally use, proof of the name change may be requested.
A 350-400 word essay. Essays should express your educational goals, professional goals, and the impact you want to have within the American Indian community at large.
One academic letter of reference. This letter must reflect your academic performance, leadership activities, and connection to the American Indian community. Academic letters should be typed and signed.
One personal letter of reference. This letter must speak to your character, your leadership qualities, your connection to the American Indian community, and your community involvement. Personal letters should be typed or written legibly, and signed.
Submission Guidelines:
Applications are accepted March 1-May 31.
Submissions must include all of the required items as outlined above.
All required items must be submitted together.
Submit by Email (PREFERRED): mde.indian-education@state.mn.us
Submit by Mail to:
Minnesota Department of Education
Office of American Indian Education
Attn: Kristen Aeikens
1500 West Highway 36
Roseville, MN 55113
The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship Application
This application is a fillable form and must be downloaded prior to use. Applicants who are not able to use fillable forms may print the application and fill it out by hand. Applications must be submitted March 1 - May 31, and be accompanied by the required items outlined above. Incomplete submissions are eliminated from consideration.