Scholarships and Opportunities
UCSC and the University of California system offer a variety of scholarships and opportunities for Native American students. These resources are designed to ease financial burdens and support you throughout your academic journey. If you have any questions or would like guidance, we encourage you to connect with us at airc@ucsc.edu. We’re here to advocate for you and stand alongside you every step of the way.
UC Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP) & Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Scholarship
Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP)
If you identify as a Native American student, you may be eligible for the University of California Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP). This plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered by UC financial aid or other federal, state, or institutional funding.
- Eligibility: California residents who are members of federally recognized tribes
- Application: No separate application is required. Simply file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- What’s Covered: In-state Tuition and Student Services Fees
- What’s Not Covered: Campus-based fees and Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST)
Students with additional financial need may also qualify for further UC grants to help with costs such as housing, transportation, and books. If you qualify, the UCSC Financial Aid Office will contact you directly. If you believe you are eligible but haven’t been contacted, reach out to your campus financial aid office or graduate division.
In its first year, NAOP awarded $2.3 million to 211 undergraduate and graduate students across the UC system.
Learn more on the NAOP website.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Scholarship Fund
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Scholarship provides tuition support for California Native American students who may not qualify for NAOP.
Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are due by August 1, 2025.
For updated information, visit the FIGR Scholarship website or contact FIGRUCScholarship@gratonrancheria.com
Eligibility
California residents who are:
Disenrolled members of federally recognized California tribes
Members of non-federally recognized California tribes, or
What’s Covered (pending available funds)
In-state Tuition and Student Services Fees
Campus-based fees
Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST)
The FIGR Scholarship does not require UC or FAFSA eligibility and is open to both federally and non-federally recognized Native students from California.
In May 2022, FIGR established a $2.5 million fund to support California Native students attending UC. In 2023, the program awarded:
- 11 scholarships to students from non-federally recognized or disenrolled tribes
- Campus-based fees and PDST for 54 students from federally recognized California tribes
The program is expected to grow with additional outreach and promotion.
Summary of Eligibility
| Scholarship | Who is Eligible | What’s Covered | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAOP | CA residents enrolled in federally recognized tribes | In-state Tuition and Student Services Fees | Must file FAFSA or CADAA; no separate app |
| FIGR | CA residents in non-federally recognized or disenrolled tribes | Tuition, Campus Fees, PDST | Separate application required |
If you’re unsure which scholarship(s) you may qualify for, or need help with applications, the AIRC is here to help. Contact us at airc@ucsc.edu for personalized guidance and support.
E.A. Forssgren Scholarship
The E.A. Forssgren Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship offered through the American Indian Resource Center. It provides up to $3,000 per academic year for American Indian undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
For more information, reach out to the AIRC!
Applications open during winter quarter.
American Indian College Fund – Full Circle Scholarship
The American Indian College Fund’s Full Circle Scholarship supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing technical, undergraduate, or graduate degrees at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited institutions.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Enrolled member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Enrolled as a full-time student
Required Materials
- Digital photo – professional-looking
- Tribal affiliation – proof of tribal enrollment (Certificate of Indian Blood [CIB]) or parent/grandparent’s enrollment with your birth certificate
- Transcript – most recent high school or college transcript (unofficial is accepted)
Find additional information and application at the American Indian College Fund website