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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

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.

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 Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers (T42) program, funded by the CDC, focuses on enhancing occupational safety through targeted education and training. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration among academic institutions, this initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to address workplace health challenges. The program seeks to diversify the workforce and improve worker safety and well-being through outreach and continued education efforts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship supports Black women graduates of Oregon high schools who wish to pursue post-secondary education in Oregon or at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Award amounts vary, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years. Eligible applicants must be Oregon residents, identify as Black and female, and enroll at least half-time in a public or nonprofit private college or university in the United States.

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.

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.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund is responsive to workforce readiness needs. This scholarship will be available on a rolling basis, students may apply at any time. Randy, a member of the Board of Governors at The Community Foundation starting in June 2022, owned two businesses in the area until 2021, Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC. As an active businessperson, philanthropist and retiree, he seeks to give back to the community he calls home. Tina and Randy have been friends to the foundation through leadership and participation, also contributing to the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and through the Randy and Tina Harris Family Charitable Fund. 

Apply for a Scholarship

While it is common for students to go to college after high school, earning a college degree isn’t the only option after high school, nor is it the right option for everyone.

The trades are vital, though often underappreciated, career fields that are essential for the functioning of society. Skilled trades are the backbone of our society and can be lucrative, stable career opportunities. In areas like construction, manufacturing, technology and medicine there are trades where people are able to make significant contributions to our world.

African Americans are very underrepresented in these fields. To ensure the brightest future possible, it’s crucial for African Americans interested in the trades to have the financial resources necessary to further their education.

Randy’s father, James Harris, had a successful career as a machinist and welder. He demonstrated that a college degree was not a necessity for a successful career. This scholarship was created for those African American students like James Harris, who are inspired to develop their talents in trades or taking non-traditional paths to further their education.