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Native American Scholarship Program

The application for the Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship and the Freeport-McMoRan Navajo Code Talkers Scholarship is now open and will close on April 1, 2026.

This scholarship is funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and administered by Education Forward Arizona. The value of this scholarship is:

  • $3,000/per semester for students enrolled in a four-year program at a university or tribal college
  • $1,500/per semester for students enrolled in a two-year program at a community college or tribal college
  • $5,000/per semester for students enrolled in a graduate program
  • For students enrolled at a trade or technical school, the value of this scholarship will be determined by program length, not to exceed $15,000

Program Requirements

Students awarded with a scholarship are also required to participate in the Success Services Program, in partnership with Education Forward Arizona. The participation requirements include:

  • Participation in advising sessions with a Success Adviser twice per semester
  • Keeping in constant contact with your Success Adviser
  • Submit all paperwork, including transcripts, schedules, school changes and other requests by Education Forward Arizona or your Success Adviser
  • Respond to all Education Forward Arizona communication within 48 hours
  • Attend the Annual Leadership Symposium (if required by your Success Adviser)
  • Attend one Scholar Success Network meeting per semester
  • Follow the College and Career Success Milestones as presented by your Success Adviser

Selection Criteria

  • Be an enrolled member of one of the following tribal communities with priority given to students from the first five listed tribes:
    • Hualapai Tribe
    • Navajo Nation
    • San Carlos Apache Tribe
    • Tohono O’odham Nation
    • White Mountain Apache Tribe
    • Ak-Chin Indian Community
    • Fort Sill Chiricahua Warm Springs Apache Tribe
    • Gila River Indian Community
    • Hopi Tribe
    • Mescalero Apache Tribe
    • Pascua Yaqui Tribe
    • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
    • Tonto Apache Tribe
    • Yavapai- Apache Nation
    • Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe
    • Zuni Pueblo
  • Be attending an accredited community college, tribal college, four-year university, or trade school
  • Be a full-time student (minimum of 12 credit hours or full time as deemed by the institution)
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good current academic standing
  • Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Scholarship renewal is contingent upon maintaining good academic standing, maintaining full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.
    • Prior receipt of a scholarship does not guarantee a future academic year scholarship.
  • If you are a current Native American Scholarship Program recipient, DO NOT submit an application unless you are now enrolling in a master’s degree. Please reach out to your Success Adviser at Education Forward Arizona with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of degrees or programs are eligible for this scholarship?

The Native American Scholarship Program supports students pursuing trade and certificate programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees at accredited institutions.

Which master's degree programs are eligible?

Eligible master’s degree programs are standard graduate programs typically completed within two years. Professional doctoral programs such as law school (JD), medical school (MD, DO), and similar programs are not eligible.

Do I need to live in Arizona to apply?

No. Applicants do not need to live in Arizona. Students must be a registered Tribal member of one of the 16 eligible Tribal communities and meet all program requirements.

Can I attend a college or program outside of Arizona?

Yes. Students may attend an accredited institution in Arizona or out of state, including colleges, universities, and approved trade or technical programs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be a registered Tribal member of one of the 16 eligible Tribal communities, meet academic requirements, and be enrolled in or accepted to an eligible postsecondary program.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes. The scholarship is automatically renewable for students who continue to meet program and scholarship requirements, including maintaining a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, being enrolled full time, and fulfilling all Success Program participation requirements.