During the Spring semester of 2020, many college students faced hardships as they were affected by the pandemic. Some students lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced, which made it harder for them to pay for their college tuition and fees.
Below you will find quotes from scholars who tell us about how these scholarships helped them financially and how it helped them reach their educational goals.
“The NASTEM Scholarship allowed me to pay for tuition and fees for the summer semester. I hope to maintain good grades and expand my academic background in order to go farther in my higher education. Professionally, I aspire to address environmental issues plaguing tribal communities, especially as climate change begins to amplify the crisis.” -Raven (Pueblo of San Ildefonso)
“This is my first full-time semester as a graduate student at the University of New Mexico. My first semester in Spring 2020, I was only able to afford to take one class. I signed up for a payment plan and used income from my part-time internship to pay back in monthly installments. COVID-19 affected my income greatly when I lost my 2nd part-time job as a substitute teacher for the Albuquerque Public Schools. Academically, I hope to earn a GPA of 3.85 or higher and to apply the concepts I learn in my current and future positions. Professionally, I plan on returning to the Navajo Nation reservation after I earn my MBA to work at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM, in the Human Resources department. I want to make a difference and ensure my people are following policy and give them proper training and support they need to be motivated employees. Not only that, I want to be a good role model for younger siblings and other Native American students. Thank you, Indian Resource Development Office, for allowing me to continue to pursue my education and career goals.” -Dawnisha (Navajo)
“The scholarship provided by NASTEM is extremely beneficial for me. I expected to pay for this semester myself after learning my employer’s Tuition Assistance program was canceled because of COVID-19 related budget cuts. This scholarship alleviates some financial burden so I can focus on educational and career goals. I am currently majoring in Business Administration – Management Information Systems. I plan to continue pursuing my career in Information Technology and onto becoming an IT Director for my organization.” -Suzanne (Navajo)
“This scholarship tuition support will bring me some financial relief. This will give me the ability to focus more on my family essentials, which has always been my main priority. As a Native American student, I feel very blessed to have a huge support system and that keeps me motivated in my studies every day. Once I become successful in my studies, I look forward to giving back to my tribe and being able to help future students like me to achieve their goals." -Adeline (Mescalero Apache)
"The Indian Resources Development Office helped me so much last Spring semester with my tuition and fees. I am very grateful that this offer was extended to me and I hope that others can receive the same help I did. The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for everyone, and this opportunity alleviated some of my financial burden and enabled me to focus more on school. I am on track to graduate with my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and start my transition into the workforce." -Chad (Navajo)
In collaboration with the University of New Mexico, Indian Resources Development supported scholarships for the following college students.
Below you will find quotes from scholars who tell us about how these scholarships helped them financially and how it helped them reach their educational goals.
“I am currently in my last semester at UNM finishing my Earth and Planetary Sciences B.S. at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Coming from the Navajo Nation, I learned how to intertwine my culture and education together to understand concepts in my own way. From this experience, I have been able to understand my culture’s stories and taboos from a STEM point of view. Another way I have blended my education with my culture is with my partial research project, finding potential renewable energy sources on the Navajo Nation using geospatial referencing. Through my project, I am giving back to my Native community while combating climate change. With this opportunity of research, I can dream of continuing my project in graduate school while pursuing a M.S. in Geospatial Referencing.” -Liza (Navajo)
“In hopes of accomplishment of my academics, I have taken that first step as I have graduated in May 2021 from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I am the first person in my immediate family to obtain a 4-year degree from a 3 university. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to fulfill my education. This shows our younger and older generation that it is possible and never give up on your dreams. I will continue my education next year as I will pursue my Masters in Mechanical Engineering at UNM. As a Navajo Mechanical Engineer, I never dreamed I would work for a big tech company, let alone working on Space/Aerospace flight systems with the Air Force Research Lab. It might have taken multiple years to fulfill this degree, but I can honestly say it is paying off. Again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for Native Americans in STEM Scholarship Program.” -Marvin (Navajo)
“The scholarship money received has been very supporting of my academic pursuits as well as my basic needs as a student living away from my tribal community. The difference it has made is having accessibility to certain luxuries one is not granted if they lack funds. Currently, I am conducting climate change research in the Earth and Planetary sciences department with a research area that is located on ancestral Pueblo lands. The climate change discourse has been dominated by White cis men; therefore, I hope to relate my findings to my tribal community as well as finding the limitations of the implementation of Indigenous methodologies. With this research, I hope to continue to grow my foundation of climate science in the academy. As I approach my senior year, I continue to look at Doctoral Programs across the country where I can hopefully pursue a research career directly focused on combating climate change with Indigenous approaches and understandings. Professionally, I aspire to become a research professor and gain the necessary skills to finally return home and be a contributing tribal member to my community of San Ildefonso Pueblo. I am very thankful to have received the funds that will aide me on my academic and professional journey.” -Raven (Pueblo of San Ildefonso)
