About the Direct Education Scholarship

 

UNDERGRADUATE / VOCATIONAL SCHOOL (12+ Credits)

  • Freshman (1st Year) $2,000/Semester

  • Sophomore (2nd Year) $2,500/Semester

  • Junior (3rd Year) $3,000/Semester

  • Senior (4th Year) $4,000/Semester

     

GRADUATE / DOCTORAL (9+ Credits)

  • 1st Year $2,500/Semester

  • 2nd Year $3,000/Semester

  • 3rd Year $3,500/Semester

  • 4th Year (Last Year) $4,500/Semester

Guidelines

  • Must be an enrolled Laguna tribal member (CIB or Tribal ID card)
  • Must be enrolled full time (12 minimum: undergrad/vocational, 9 minimum: graduate)
  • Must meet GPA requirements: 2.0/term (Summer term excluded)
  • Must have a High School Diploma, or High School Equivalency (HSE) (Certificate of completion does not qualify)
  • Must be accepted and enrolled at a regionally accredited 2 yr., 4 yr., graduate or vocational school
  • 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

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.

DOWNLOAD: Personal Statement Example (PDF)

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.