2023 Applications for the Native American Jump Start Grant are now open to Native college students who will be working in an internship or fellowship.
Apply Now!
The priority application deadline is April 28, 2023. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and grants are awarded based on availability.
Native American Jump Start works with Native college students who are interested in gaining valuable work-life experiences through temporary employment opportunities. Native American Jump Start provides financial support for the student to travel to their internship location and help bridge the gap to their first paycheck.
Application Information and Requirements
The purpose of the Native American Jump Start grant is to provide assistance to Indigenous students who express a financial gap in their ability to participate in an internship program, or internship-like opportunity, intended to provide relevant experience to their current field of study.
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, trade school or certificate program.
Applicants must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and show tribal ID or CDIB or show proof of descendancy. (Parental enrollment/CDIB or CDIB enrollment with birth certificate may be used as proof of descendancy.)
Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an internship program, or internship-like opportunity, and able to provide points of contact for verification purposes. Internships must provide relevant experience to promote further learning in their current field of study.
Applicants must be able to describe the financial gap associated with accepting/attending their internship.
In addition to completing the application form, please write an essay (250-750 words) describing the following and upload it in PDF format:
- your goals for the future
- how the Native American Jump Start grant would assist in achieving those goals
- how these goals relate to continued involvement in American Indian communities
- why this internship or program is important to you and your future goals, career objectives, or professional development
- what you personally hope to gain from this experience
Finally, please write a short biography (100-150 words minimum. We recommend copying and pasting from a Word document) and a photo or headshot that you won’t mind being shared.
* If you cannot upload a copy of your Tribal documentation, your essay, or your photo, please email them to bianca.wahkinney@nativeamericanjumpstart.org with your name. *
Incomplete applications will not be considered.