Best Grants for Minorities in American Samoa

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from American Samoa, can receive academic scholarship support for higher education costs. The American Indian Science and Engineering Society offers the AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 per year to full-time AISES members with a 3.0+ GPA in eligible STEM-related disciplines.

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance the capacity of African American museums. This initiative supports professional development for museum staff and promotes accessibility to collections at these institutions and HBCUs. By fostering institutional growth, the program plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing African American history and culture through museum initiatives.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2027) program aims to strengthen American Latino history and culture museums by enhancing their capacity to serve communities. It supports initiatives that foster professional development within these cultural institutions, ensuring they can effectively promote and preserve Latino heritage. This grant, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is crucial for advancing the growth of a dedicated workforce in the American Latino cultural sector.

American Samoa Indigenous minority students pursuing STEM degrees as rising college freshmen can access $5,000 scholarships through the AISES Indigenous Peoples Education Fund. Eligible applicants must be full-time students, AISES members, and enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Indigenous Canadian communities.

American Samoa minority and Indigenous students pursuing full-time STEM degrees tied to casino gaming careers can access funding through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. The AISES RISE Scholarship provides US $2,000 for members studying areas like software development, technology, or supply chain, including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous Canadian students.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Established by the White House in 1988, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—continues to advance its mission through award winning programs that adapt to the needs, aspirations, and vision of our community while delivering a strong value proposition for the country.

HHF’s mission and programs have been recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 Companies, US Army, other nonprofits, and even the Government of Mexico, in five areas of focus: education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission.

Youth Awards

The 28-year-old Youth Awards have recognized thousands of high school students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for their achievements in the classroom, community, and focus on career paths in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time innovation grant to fund their college education or support a community service effort addressing a social issue. Additionally, one national awardee is selected in each category.

Once selected, recipients are celebrated in virtual ceremonies and become part of the LOFT (Leaders On Fast Track) Network, a collective of 300,000+ students and young professionals with access to mentors, resources, networking opportunities, workshops, symposia, summits, internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.

American Samoa minority-serving health organizations and research institutions can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to conduct clinical, health services, or community-based interventions on non-communicable and chronic disease disparities. Projects must address high-burden conditions in Latin America or among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos and include at least one principal investigator from a Latin American institution.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is offering funding for innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. This grant will support preparatory and pilot activities that focus on understanding health disparities, testing interventions for chronic diseases, and promoting health behavior changes in collaboration with community partners. Projects should address critical health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal health.

Health and research institutions studying non-communicable and chronic disease disparities can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to conduct multidisciplinary epidemiology and health policy research. Projects must focus on Latin America or U.S. Hispanics/Latinos, include at least one principal investigator from a Latin American institution, and may benefit minority communities in American Samoa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing oral health or relief services to historically marginalized communities in American Samoa can seek flexible project, emergency, or sponsorship support through the Emergent & Relief Fund. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health offers funding for innovative oral health systems change, disaster relief, urgent clinic needs, and learning events across the U.S. and territories.

Eligible legal aid organizations, qualified attorneys, and entities in American Samoa can apply for Legal Services Corporation’s Basic Field Grant; awards approximately US $20,000 for civil legal services to low-income people. Funding may support general, agricultural worker, or Native American service areas that advance access to justice for minority communities.

Research institutions and similar organizations focused on minority health and family well-being in American Samoa can access funding via the National Institutes of Health. NIH provides American Samoa minority services and health disparities programs with support to study family health, resilience, and social determinants, which may benefit initiatives serving underserved racial and ethnic communities.

The Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the US HHS: HRSA, aims to improve health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. It provides grants to health schools and organizations to enhance academic performance, expand clinical education, and strengthen faculty recruitment. This initiative promotes strategic partnerships to develop a competitive applicant pool and supports research on health issues affecting minority groups, ensuring better health outcomes and career opportunities in the health professions.

American Samoa minority-serving schools and 501(c)(3) or public organizations improving children’s oral health can access funding through CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Grants up to Up to US $125,000 support school-based or school-linked initiatives addressing systemic barriers to dental care, including workforce strategies, community advocacy, policy solutions, FQHC partnerships, teledentistry, and related project costs.

Academic institutions and nonprofit research centers in American Samoa working on cancer health equity can access funding through the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Health Equity Research Centers program. Grants up to US $860,000 support multi-level, community-engaged research on cancer disparities, including racial and ethnic inequities and other social determinants of health affecting minority populations.

Minority health and physical education professionals in the U.S. who are long-standing SHAPE America members can be honored for advancing equity, mentorship, and scholarship through this national recognition award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help minority services leaders, including those serving American Samoa communities, highlight impactful work with underserved populations.

Undergraduate and associate degree–seeking Presbyterian students can receive scholarship support for full-time study at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Focused on educational aid for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members, Presbyterian Mission Agency invites eligible students, including those from American Samoa, to apply for up to US $6,000 through its Financial Aid for Service program.

Minority high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing postsecondary education can receive scholarship support for technical schools, HBCUs, or other accredited institutions; awards are US $1,000. Grants from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond help students of African American or other minority heritage, which may interest organizations serving minority communities in American Samoa.

The Reboot Representation Tech Coalition aims to significantly increase the number of Black, Latina, and Native American women earning computing bachelor’s degrees. They invite qualified organizations to submit grant inquiries focused on recruiting and retaining these women in tech. Programs that leverage existing resources and operate across multiple regions will be prioritized, and the Coalition seeks initiatives backed by substantial research and community trust.

Undergraduate engineering students from marginalized ethnic or gender groups pursuing climate-focused engineering degrees at accredited 4-year U.S. universities can receive renewable support for educational costs. Architecture Foundation of Oregon and PAE support diversity in engineering nationwide, so minority students from American Samoa interested in climate justice may be eligible.

With a mission to support higher education access, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides students of color, including those from American Samoa, with scholarships for college expenses. Applicants submit one application to be considered for the Loren and Norma Hill Scholarship Fund and related awards, which may support tuition, fees, room, board, and other costs for one academic year.

Students of color pursuing marketing, advertising, design, or computer science at accredited institutions can seek scholarship support for their education. Focused on diversity in fields like digital marketing and design, Innovia Foundation invites Black, Indigenous, and other students of color, including those from American Samoa, who demonstrate academic achievement and community or work involvement to apply.

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

The Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by the Learning Seed Foundation to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston and Pierce counties in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship is designed to benefit primarily students of color who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrate a commitment to others. The scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional 3 years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit and retain minority graduate students in STEM fields. This program offers significant benefits, including a $32,000 annual stipend and $12,000 educational allowance for two years, fostering a supportive community through monthly dinners for Indigenous graduate students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and have participated in an LSAMP program.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

ETV: Linda D. Murphy Village Strivers Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a Black/African-American graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has demonstrated consistent academic improvement throughout high school. Applicants will be evaluated on their engagement through activities or programs that support the local community (community service, church engagement, or paid or unpaid work experience) and unmet financial need.

The Black Men Building Resources Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports African-American undergraduates from Kent County. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing college or career training by removing barriers to academic success. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, the program prioritizes applicants with high financial need, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who strive for educational advancement in West Michigan.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship

The purpose of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian tribal and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

This opportunity is a need-based award.