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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Endowed Scholarship

The SMSC Endowed Scholarship was established through a $2.5 million gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The University of Minnesota matches the interest earned on this endowment fund with proceeds dedicated to providing scholarships for qualified American Indian students. The University's Office for Equity and Diversity administers the scholarship.

The primary goal of the SMSC Endowed Scholarship is to recruit and retain University of Minnesota students who demonstrate financial need. For undergraduates, scholarships are renewable for up to four years or until graduation (whichever comes first), contingent upon academic performance. For graduate and professional students, the length of funding is contingent upon the school of enrollment, academic performance, and degree program, and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For questions or comments, reach out to oed@umn.edu.

Johnson O'Malley Program (JOM) (BIA Grant Funded)

• Educational expense reimbursement for Native American students age 3 to grade 12.
• Qualifications:
  • Child is enrolled in a US Federally Recognized Tribe OR ¼ Degree or more combined blood quantum of a US Federally Recognized Tribe.
  • Resident of Scott County.
  • Enrolled in a Scott County Public School.

Wóuŋspe Program (SMSC Funded Program)

• Educational expense reimbursement for Native American students age 3 to grade 12.
• This program has approved funding for three years until August 2024.
• Qualifications:
  • Child does not qualify for the JOM program due to enrollment or blood quantum requirements.
  • Can prove descendancy of an enrolled member of a Federal, State, or Canadian Tribe.
  • Resident of Scott County.
  • Enrolled in a Scott County Public School.

JOM/Wóuŋspe Program Coordinator

Kelsey Scares The Hawk

Email Kelsey.scaresthehawk@shakopeedakota.org for applications or questions.