College/University scholarship and grant applications can seem overwhelming to many when they first go through this process.  At H.E.L.P. we are here to help! (yes, the pun is intended and yes, we realize we are not very funny) You can contact us at helphaskell@hotmail.com with any questions you may have about this process.  Here are some helpful hints (TOP 10 LIST) so you can access as much funding as possible. 
 
1. Fill out your FAFSA form during your senior year (Beginning October 1st!).  This is essential!
 
2. Make sure that the finanical aid department knows that you want to check on the status of your federal PELL, FSEOG, and TEACH grants once you have filled out your FAFSA.  The first two are yours for the taking for those who are income qualified.  The last one is another federal grant for those interested in the teaching field. 
 
3. Many states also have funding based on income for students who choose to stay in state to go to college/university.  Make sure you look into these if you are planning to stay within your home state.  In Oklahoma, for instance, are the Oklahoma Promise, OTAG, and OTEG grants.  
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4. Contact your tribes Higher Education Department or Program.  Some tribes have scholarships and grants as well as clothing allowances or emergency grants.  
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5. Apply for as many outside scholarships as possible!  Whether they are designated for Indians or not does not matter.  Apply for all that you qualify for.
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6. Check the scholarships/grants section of the universities you are planning to attend and find out what they have available to students who get accepted to their university. 
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7. Look at our list of tribal scholarships under the "other scholarships" tab.  
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8. See what local scholarships are available through your high school and various civic and religious organizations (Churches, Indian Clubs, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.)
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9. Some universities have tuition assistance waivers for members of historic "non-federally" recognized/state recognized tribes.  Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma is one such example.  Others have full-time staff members dedicated to working with American Indian students on better understanding grant and scholarships submissions such as North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 
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10. Large Indian organizations such as NIEA (National Indian Education Association) have easily accessible tribal scholarship databases.  So check them out! 
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