NAIEA / NY Scholarships

 

NAIEA / NY has established a college scholarship fund for eligible Native American Indian students who reside in New York State.  Candidates must submit:

• NAIEA / NY Application
• Proof of tribal membership
• High School or college transcript
• Essay on need for and use of Scholarship

DONATIONS TO THE FUND ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED AND WELCOMED.

2025 Scholarship winners

Kelsey Smith

Onondaga

NAIEA Undergraduate Scholarship

 

My name is Kelsey Smith, and I am a member of the Onondaga Nation in Upstate New York.  My Onondaga name is Dayaweñde'khe', which menas "became daylight." I am currently a junior (class of '27) at Syracuse University, pursuing my bachelor's degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education.  In addition to my studies, I work as a clinical aide at a local non-profit substance abuse disorder clinic.  Most importantly, I am the proud mother of a beautiful 5-year old daughter, who inspired me to being my higher education journey later in life.  My goal is to bring the skills I've gained back to my community, supporting future generations in their educational paths, making learning meaningful and engaging, and creating a classroom environment that is culturally supportive, fun, and inclusive. 

Sloan Jonathan

Tonawanda Seneca

NAIEA Undergraduate Scholarship

 

My name is Sloan Jonathan, I'm from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and currently attending Genesee Community College.  My goal is to use my edcuation to give back to my community and help preserve our culture.  After finishing my degree, I plan to join the Seneca Language Immersion Program so I can learn and teach the language to future generations.  I'm also a student-athlete, playing volleyball at GCC, and I'm passionate about using sports and education to inspire youth in my community.

 

 Nichelle Loran

Mohawk

NAIEA Graduate Scholarship

 

Nichelle Loran (she/her/akaónha) is a proud member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Bear Clan and resides on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.  Nichelle earned her Bachelors of Arts at SUNY Potsdam in Sociology with a minor in Native American Studies.  Passionate about empowering young people, she works with Sources of Strength and the LGBTQ2SIA+ Safe Zone Student Support group at Salmon River to foster resilience and inclusivity.  With a commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces, Nichelle is currently working toward her goal of becoming a certified NYS school counselor to continue advocating and supporting students' emotional and academic success. 

 

 

Kalha-kú McLester

Oneida

NAIEA Graduate Scholarship

 

Kalha-kú McLester is a member of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, from Oneida, Wisconsin.  Kalha-kú just received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.  He will be continuing his education at Syracuse this fall in pursuit of a Master of Science in Engineering Management while researching a water filtration system using nano tubes.  Outside of school, Kalha-kú works hard to share his knowledge of the Haudenosaunee language and culture with his two boys, emphasizes STEM education at home, and tutors Native middle and high school students in math in hopes of drawing more Native students into STEM careers.  Kalha-kú is also a sitting board member of the non-profit "Whose Land?" project that emphasizes land history and land rematriation.  He serves as a speaker/facilitator for Orange Dialogue for Skanonh (Peace and Wellness) that encourages community building among undergrad and graduate students while educating students on the Haudenosaunee principles of gratitude, peace, and a good mind.  Kalha-kú hopes to use his education to help communities preserve knowledge while creating closer relationships with each other and thee natural world.