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.

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.

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 Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE) program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to enhance the socioeconomic and cultural vitality of Native communities. It supports initiatives in regenerative agriculture, artificial intelligence, and community resilience. Key goals include fostering Native capacity, sustainable economic growth, and optimizing governance. With a commitment to fully fund these grants for three years, EAGLE promotes innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

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.

Tribal governments and tribal organizations in American Samoa seeking to build capacity for Community Services Block Grant programs can apply for funding to provide tailored training and technical assistance. With a mission to strengthen community services infrastructure, US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families offers up to US $500,000 to improve CSBG administration, compliance, and housing and economic stability efforts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity aims to increase the involvement of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in research related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders. This initiative seeks to support institutions dedicated to serving health disparity populations, ensuring they develop robust training programs. While trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials, they can gain valuable experience under the guidance of mentors, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for underserved communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is one of the most well-respected, knowledgeable leaders on charitable giving in the nation. We make giving convenient and efficient for donors through donor-advised funds and other types of charitable giving accounts that maximize and organize giving.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Kansas City Pride Community Alliance Scholarship Fund

The KCPCA Scholarship provides needed financial assistance to support LGBTQ+ students who are resident of Jackson, Clay, Platte or Buchannan counties in Missouri and Johnson, Wyandotte or Douglas counties in Kansas of all background and educational interests. We prioritize LGBTA+ students who need it most and who have some or all of the following experiences:

• People of color, Black, Indigenous
• Trans, Non-binary, Gender Expansive, Two spirit people
• People with disabilities – including people living with chronic illnesses, HIV, neurodivergence, mental health challenges
• People who have or are experiencing housing instability
• People living in rural areas
• People who have financial need without access to financial support
• People who have experienced family rejection.

Award

• $1,000

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Native Voices Rising (NVR) offers grants to empower Native-led grassroots organizations in the U.S. With over $16 million awarded since inception, NVR focuses on enhancing lives through collective action and advocacy. Eligible organizations must be Native-led and engage community members in policy improvement efforts. NVR supports initiatives addressing environmental justice, health, and youth involvement, with a commitment to fostering leadership and social change within Native communities.

The Talati Family Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support students of color pursuing higher education. Students can apply through a single online application, which connects them to various scholarships based on eligibility. Awards can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S., particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.