Native student support and scholarships
Tribal Nations Student Affairs provides programs and services that support your success — in the classroom, in your community and throughout your career. We’re committed to helping you achieve your academic goals while fostering personal and professional growth, all within a welcoming environment that honors your identity and culture.
Academic support
Tribal Nations Student Affairs offers a range of services and programs to support your academic success, including:
- Academic advising: Guidance on academic planning, course selection and navigating university requirements.
- Dedicated study space: A quiet, welcoming space for collaborative or individual study with resources to help you stay focused and organized.
- Tutoring: Personalized academic assistance in various subjects tailored to your learning style and needs.
- Mentoring: Connect with mentors who provide encouragement, academic guidance and real-world advice.
Academic support programs
Indigenous Nation Scholars Training for Excellence Program (INSTEP)
Indigenous Nation Scholars Training for Excellence Program (INSTEP) is a dynamic student retention and tribal leadership initiative offered by Tribal Nations Student Affairs. This program allows you to enrich your University of Idaho experience by blending your cultural knowledge and skills with your academic journey. Through specialized courses designed to bridge gaps, enhance learning and support academic progress, INSTEP prepares you to become a leader in your tribal community. It equips you with the tools to go beyond your degree program, empowering you to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
HOIST Program
The Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers (HOIST) is a summer college preparatory program with emphasis on STEM and college preparation experience for Native American high school students. Hosted by University of Idaho Tribal Nations Student Affairs, HOIST combines hands-on academic learning, cultural enrichment and residential life on campus to help prospective students build a strong sense of readiness and explore future STEM careers.
This program is designed for high school students from the 11 tribal reservations with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university.
Academic offerings that reflect your culture and community
Deepen your knowledge, elevate your voice and prepare to lead with academic offerings that center on Indigenous perspectives and frameworks.
American Indian studies minor
This interdisciplinary minor explores the histories, cultures and contemporary issues of American Indian communities in Idaho, the region and the nation. It’s a powerful way to connect your heritage to your academic journey — and to any major.
Learn more about the American Indian Studies minor
Native American law, J.D.
This J.D. emphasis helps future attorneys understand the foundations of Tribal Law, Federal Indian Law and how they intersect with state systems. Ideal for those who want to advocate for Native rights and serve tribal communities.
Learn more about the Native American Law program
Certificate in Indigenous research and education (CIRE)
This interdisciplinary certificate deepens your understanding of Indigenous lands, peoples and knowledge systems — a core part of University of Idaho’s land-grant mission. You'll explore how to build respectful, collaborative relationships with Tribal communities and apply that knowledge across fields like natural resources, education and community development.
Cultivating Indigenous Research Communities for Leadership in Education and STEM (CIRCLES)
CIRCLES is building an interdisciplinary institute in collaboration with Tribal Nations to support research, education, cultural preservation and community development.
Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP)
IKEEP supports certified teachers working with Indigenous communities or Idaho’s five Tribes through stipends and summits focused on culturally responsive teaching and leadership.
Professional development support
We’re here to help you expand your network and build your leadership skills through a variety of professional development opportunities, including:
- Leadership workshops: Learn how to lead with confidence, speak up for your community and grow your skills through hands-on workshops.
- Professional development resources: Attend events and trainings that help prepare you for your future career — whether in your field of study or serving your tribal community.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow Native students, professors and professionals who can support and inspire your goals.
Connect with other Native students
At University of Idaho, you'll find a supportive community — a family away from home — among Native students, employees and alumni. This environment fosters personal growth and discovery, helping you embrace new opportunities and uncover surprising insights about yourself, all while remaining deeply connected to your tribal identity and cultural heritage.
Native student organizations
Native American Student Association (NASA)
The U of I Native American Student Association (NASA) is a student club dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of Native American students and fostering cultural connection and professional growth. Open to all students interested in learning about Native American culture and issues, NASA provides a welcoming community for cultural awareness and involvement.
NASA hosts weekly meetings, plans social gatherings and organizes the university’s signature spring event — the Tutxinmepu Powwow, a powerful celebration of Native traditions and community.
Follow NASA on Facebook | Instagram
Advisor contact information:
Dakota Kidder
dkidder@uidaho.edu
208-885-4237
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at University of Idaho focuses on supporting Native students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The organization provides valuable resources such as access to scholarships, internships, national conferences and networking opportunities. AISES helps students explore STEM career paths while connecting with a broader professional community, fostering academic and professional success.
Learn more on the AISES national website
Advisor contact information:
Leanna Dann
ldann@uidaho.edu
U of I Native Alumni Group
Stay connected, give back and support the next generation of Indigenous students at University of Idaho.
Native student scholarships
University of Idaho is committed to supporting Native and Indigenous students with scholarships that recognize academic achievement, cultural identity and tribal affiliation. Several scholarships are available for eligible undergraduate students — and you may qualify automatically when you apply for admission.
Need help or have questions?
Contact Tribal Nations Student Affairs at native@uidaho.edu or 208-885-4237.
Undergraduate Native student scholarships
Tribal Excellence Scholarship
Purpose:
Support Native students who reside outside of Idaho in achieving academic success.
What it offers:
- Waives out-of-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students.
- Renewable each year for students who meet eligibility criteria.
Who’s eligible:
- Must reside outside of Idaho or transfer from an accredited tribal college or university.
- Must be an enrolled member of one of the 11 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Tribes.
- Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program on the U of I Moscow campus.
- Must meet GPA requirements and actively participate in INSTEP.
How to apply:
- No separate application required.
- Apply to U of I and indicate your tribal affiliation on your application.
- Submit the FAFSA by Feb. 15.
- Provide a copy of your tribal enrollment card to Tribal Nations Student Affairs.
Idaho Tribal Nations Scholarship
Purpose:
To demonstrate our commitment and recognition of the lands we occupy, University of Idaho provides a tuition scholarship for enrolled tribal members from the five Idaho MOU Tribes.
What it offers:
- Covers the full cost of tuition for eligible students.
Who’s eligible:
- Must be a member of one of the five Idaho-based Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) tribes.
- Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program on the U of I Moscow campus.
- Must meet GPA requirements and actively participate in INSTEP.
How to apply:
- No separate application required.
- Apply to U of I and indicate your tribal affiliation.
- Submit the FAFSA by Feb. 15.
- Provide a copy of your tribal enrollment card to Tribal Nations Student Affairs.
LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate Program
The NSF Louis Stokes Bridge to Doctorate Fellowship, offered in partnership with the All Nations LSAMP (ANAMP) program, provides funding and support to eligible Native American students pursuing doctoral degrees in STEM fields.
As a graduate fellow, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor whose research aligns with your interests — and you'll be encouraged to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, bringing Indigenous ways of knowing into your scientific work.
Benefits include:
- Full funding for STEM doctoral studies
- Membership in a supportive cohort of Native scholars
- One-on-one mentorship with faculty in your chosen field
Eligibility requirements:
- Former participant in the ANAMP program as an undergraduate
- Eligible for admission to the University of Idaho’s College of Graduate Studies
- Intent to pursue a STEM-related doctoral degree
Interested?
Submit your information here to learn more and connect with our team.