The American Indian Nurse Scholarship Award Program was started by the NSCDA in 1927 to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males and the career goals now include not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education, as well.

 To be eligible for a scholarship, the candidate must be:

• 1/4 American Indian, enrolled in a tribe. If not enrolled, the student will be considered if he or she can prove direct tribal ancestry.
• Enrolled in an accredited school
• Enrolled in the nursing program, having achieved good scholastic standing in pre-nursing; or, enrolled in a health care or health education program
• Post graduate students are eligible
• Maintaining the scholastic average required by the school
• Recommended by their counselor, teacher or other school official
• In need of financial assistance
• Not receiving an Indian Health Service Scholarship
• Should have a career goal directly related to the needs of the Indian people 

Please contact the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America for more information