We apologize for the inconvience please direct all questions regarding scholarships to Partners for Success (505) 552-9322
Deadline for application submittal for Fall semester is July 14th, 2014
Direct Education Scholarship
Posted on 9 June 2014 |
On April 5, 2014, the Pueblo of Laguna Council approved and authorized the use of a Direct Education Scholarship Allocation to fund education grants for enrolled Pueblo of Laguna members seeking higher education (Resolution No. 35-14). The Pueblo of Laguna Council increased the monetary resources available for distribution of educational grants to provide supplemental funds for tuition, books, supplies, travel expense, room and board and childcare for Undergraduate, Graduate and Vocational students attending regionally accredited higher education institutions and vocational schools (Resolution No. 27-95). A major objective of the Pueblo's support of higher education is to not only see students pursue higher education, but complete the process in a timely manner. In an effort to provide opportunity to as many Pueblo of Laguna members as possible, this program will focus on vertical support of higher education and not horizontal support. An example of non-eligible horizontal support is if an individual has a bachelor's degree, they will not be eligible for funding to pursue another bachelors degree. An example of the eligible vertical support is if a person has a bachelor's degree, they will be eligible for funding to pursue masters or higher-level degree. The goal is not to create professional students, but to inspire students to complete the higher education steps.
Laguna Department of Education's Partners For Success supports the pursuit of higher education for enrolled Pueblo of Laguna tribal members. Acceptance of scholarship funds implies a focused commitment to college studies or vocational schooling, and achieving the goal of earning a college degree or professional license/certification. The Pueblo of Laguna Council has authorized the LDoE, Partners For Success project to manage and administer the Direct Education Scholarship allocation.
The staff of Partners For Success along with the Laguna Board of Education extends our wishes for courage and perseverance to students and families as they take steps toward a college or vocational education. We are pleased that the number of students who want to pursue higher education has increased. As a result, the competition for scholarships becomes heightened. Students and families are encouraged to seek a range of resources to defray the costs of higher education. You may contact the Partners For Success for scholarship sources at (505) 552-9322
Updates for the 2014-2015 Academic Year
Posted on 9 June 2014 |
Applicants seeking a Baccalaureate degree may be funded for a maximum of 10 semesters. Funds will be awarded for Fall and Spring semesters only.
Study Abroad Programs are acceptable options for college juniors and seniors who wish to broaden their educational horizons. A student seeking scholarship support must first be accepted into a study abroad program through their college or university. A formal letter of approval, along with official transcripts demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are required for scholarship support. A packet of information describing the study abroad program, area of study, time frame, country and the educational benefit must accompany the request. The scholarship amount will be the same for a study abroad program as it would be if the student were attending a regular term in the United States. All additional expenses beyond the amount of the scholarship award are the student's responsibility.
Distance Education courses, at regionally accredited institutions, may be acceptable ways of earning a bachelor's degree. Eligibility for scholarship funding requires the student to be registered as a full-time college junior or senior. Exceptions to this basic requirement must be approved on a case by case basis prior to classes commencing. Factors considered are: (1) Cumulative gpa; (2) Access to computer, software and internet capacity; (3) Prior online experience and (4) Plan of Study;
MOU Merit Scholarships also known as a "Memorandum of Understanding" tuition waivers are given by colleges and universities entering into a higher education written agreement with the Pueblo of Laguna. The purpose of the MOU is to formalize the relationship between an institution of higher education and the Pueblo of Laguna, with goals to promote higher education opportunities leading to the retention and successful completion of degree programs by Laguna students.
One example of the MOU between the Pueblo of Laguna and New Mexico Highlands University is NMHU offers up to three MOU Merit Scholarships per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees ($1,632 per semester in 2011) and can not be utilitzed in conjunction with the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship. However, a Laguna Scholar may receive the merit based MOU award in addition to the Direct Education Scholarship. The student must carry 12 college level credits or more and earn a 2.0 gpa or higher in the undergraduate program and 3.0 gpa or higher at the graduate level.
The Laguna Pueblo Tribal Council selects the MOU Merit Scholars from a list of possible candidates based on character, previous academic performance, community and professional recommendations and motivation of the scholars. The MOU award is good for up to two semesters for each awardee, provided academic strandards are maintained or exceeded.
Currently the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Highlands University have formal MOU agreements with the Pueblo of Laguna.
