USA Funds Supports Scholarships for American-Indian Students

The American Indian College Fund hosted its annual Flame of Hope gala Nov. 8 in New York City, with USA Funds^® awarding a $100,000 grant to support the nation’s largest provider of private scholarships for American-Indian students.

This year marks the sixth-consecutive year that USA Funds has awarded a $100,000 grant to support the organization’s scholarships for students who need assistance in attaining and completing their postsecondary education.

The Flame of Hope gala has come to serve as an annual showcase event for the Fund. Students, college presidents, the Fund staff and supporters come together to celebrate the triumphs of another year. The $270,000 raised at this year’s gala will support the the Fund scholarship program and help support the nation’s 32 tribal colleges. 

The Fund awards approximately 5,000 scholarships annually for American-Indian students seeking to better their lives through continued education. Tribal colleges combine rigorous academics with cultural tradition to provide a positive learning experience for American-Indian students. As part of its support of tribal colleges, the Fund provides support for needs at the schools ranging from capital support to cultural-preservation activities. Tribal colleges receive little or no local or state tax support.

“The American Indian College Fund has an exceptional track record of success in promoting access to higher education for American-Indian students,” says Henry Fernandez, USA Funds executive director of scholarships, outreach and philanthropy. “USA Funds is committed to partnering with organizations to help increase access to education for all students, and the Fund is working to make that happen for American-Indian students.”