About the DIRECT EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Many generations of Pueblo of Laguna (POL) leadership and elders spoke of the value of education in its many forms and the obtaining of knowledge that can be utilized to help protect and advance the Laguna people. The Pueblo of Laguna Council continued to support this effort by adopting Resolution No. 27‐95 which authorized for regular enrolled members of the Pueblo an awarding of “educational grants to provide SUPPLEMENTAL funds for tuition, books, supplies, travel expense, room and board and child care for Undergraduate, Graduate, and Vocational Students attending regionally accredited higher education institutions and vocational schools.”
The scholarships provided by the POL DES program are intended to be supplemental in nature and may not fully cover the costs of a higher education. The scholarships are intended to assist the student with the following expenses:
- Tuition (in person/on-line learning)
- Books and Supplies
- Travel Expenses to and from college and or classes
- Room & Board
- Childcare Expenses
The POL DES program may provide financial support for up to 10 academic semesters or up to 120 earned credit hours or the completion of the degree/vocational program; whichever of these occurs first, provided that an applicant has not already obtained an Associate, Bachelor Degree or Vocational Certification.
NOW ACCEPTING PART-TIME STUDENTS!
Males 18+ are required to provide a letter of presentation to their respective village. [Click here for a sample letter]
UNDERGRADUATE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The maximum amount of funding available to an applicant is determined by how many credit hours have been earned and how many credit hours will be attempted in a current academic semester. If a scholarship is awarded, the amount of the award will be determined using the following chart:
| Credit Hours Earned | Credit Hours Earned | Credit Hours Earned | Credit Hours Earned | |
| Credit Hours Attempting | 0 to 29 | 30 to 59 | 60 to 89 | 90 or more |
| 12 or more | $2000.00 | $2500.00 | $3000.00 | $4000.00 |
| 9 to 11 | $1500.00 | $1875.00 | $2250.00 | $3000.00 |
| 6 to 8 | $1000.00 | $1200.00 | $1500.00 | $2000.00 |
| 5 or less | $750.00 | $750.00 | $750.00 | $750.00 |
Duration of funding cannot exceed 10 academic semesters.
Upon the completion of your degree program you must provide proof of completion and provide current contact information to Partners for Success.
GRADUATE AND DOCTORATE DEGREE FUNDING
The maximum amount of funding available to graduate level applicants for an academic semester is determined by using the following chart:
| Academic Semesters | Award Amount per Academic Semester |
| Masters: 1 and 2 | $4,000.00 |
| Masters: 3 and 4 | $5,000.00 |
| PhD: 1-4 | $6,000.00 |
Duration of funding cannot exceed 10 academic semesters. Upon the completion of your degree program you must provide proof of completion and provide current contact information to Partners for Success.
The Policy for the Direct Education Scholarship has been updated, please review it here:
DES POLICY 2024 (PDF)
Guidelines
- Must be a Regularly Enrolled Laguna tribal member (CIB or Tribal ID card; “Naturalized” Laguna tribal members and descendants ARE NOT eligible for funding from the POL DES program)
- Must be accepted and enrolled as a student attempting a MINIMUM of 3 credit hours in the academic term at a regionally accredited post‐secondary institution in the United States.
- For applicants who have EARNED 0 to 29 college credit hours as noted on an OFFICAL TRANSCRIPT, the minimum GPA of 2.00 is required.
- For applicants who have EARNED 30 or more college credit hours as noted on an OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT, a minimum GPA of 2.50 must have been earned on a minimum of 6 earned credit hours in the most recently completed Fall or Spring academic term.
- Must have a High School Diploma, or High School Equivalency (GED/HISET) (Certificate of completion does not qualify)
- Male applicants 18 years of age or older MUST ANNUALLY fulfill their obligation to present themselves to their respective village officer(s) within in the deadline established by the village official(s) and in an acceptable manner, usually no later than March 31 of each year and usually an in-person presentation at a village meeting or in writing. [Sample letter]
- No income requirement
The Pueblo of Laguna Direct Education Scholarship only awards funding to a qualified applicant seeking a degree (Associates/Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate) or vocational/technical certification not already obtained. For example, if an applicant already has a bachelors degree, a qualified applicant will not be awarded funds for another bachelors degree program.
Please contact PFS to discuss your specific situation if you think this may apply.
Required Documents
Complete Application
Pueblo of Laguna Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or Tribal ID Card
Sealed Official High School/Adult Basic Education, or College Transcripts (2.0 Term GPA Requirement)
College/Vocational School Admissions Letter, or Enrollment Verification for upcoming semester.
Concise Class Schedule
Personal Statement
Degree Plan, Degree Audit, or Degree Checklist
Completed W9 Form
Males 18+ need to provide a Letter of Presentation to their Village
Note: All students must submit an Official Transcript before each term attending. Official transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from college/university by mail or electronic mail. Therefore, unofficial transcripts, faxed or personal email copies will no longer be acceptable.
Personal Statement Guide
A personal statement will reflect your attitude, commitment to completing a program, and your short and long-term goals. All statements must be typed.
Below are some subjects you should cover in your personal statement:
- Education Goals: What type of degree or certificate do you plan to earn?
- Employment Goals: What type of work will you seek upon completion?
- Describe your personal commitment or desire to complete a program.
- List any personal achievements that you would like to note.
- Previous Education.
Remember, this statement is simply a short, three-paragraph document that allows the Direct Education Committee to understand your commitment towards completing the training in which you are interested.
There is no set template for a successful personal statement, but there are general guidelines to follow. Many funding organizations provide award-specific guidance for crafting a sound personal essay. Review the agency’s website to find resources such as sample statements. Invaluable information may exist regarding the criteria on which your essay will be evaluated. Use all of the resources that are available to you!
Before you begin writing, think about exactly what you want to write about and why. Research the purpose of the award you are applying for and take inventory of your personal qualifications and the strengths of your candidacy. Keep in mind that the statement should demonstrate that you have thought seriously about the skills you have gained and what you have learned about yourself through your academic and life experiences. You should also think about what you hope to learn and experience in the future.
Other important things to keep in mind:
- Use clear, concise language - say what you mean.
- Avoid vague or empty statements (eg "I am passionate about literature"), or clichés.
- Proofread extensively, read it out loud and ask several people to read it for you.
- Avoid repeating too much information mentioned elsewhere in your application.
- Address any obvious gaps or weaknesses in your application, perhaps turning them into a positive.