LDoE Frequent Questions

How do I apply for a Laguna scholarship?

Applying for a Laguna Scholarship toward a bachelors degree requires six important steps:

Step 1: write a letter explaining your plan of study. The letter will serve as a cover letter and a personal introduction for your application. It should explain: (1) What your area of study or major will be; (2) Why it's important for you to make this educational commitment; (3) Which college or university you plan to attend and it's geographical location; (4) How will you utilize the anticipated degree upon graduation; (5) How do you plan to go about earning your degree within the five year time frame. i.e. course load, work schedule, housing, child care and commuting options while pursuing your degree.

Step 2: complete the application included with your handbook and return it, along with your plan of study cover letter, to the Laguna Higher Education Program, Attn: Higher Education Coordinator.

Step 3: complete the top section of the financial aid needs analysis, which is also included with your handbook. Once you've completed the top section forward the needs analysis to the financial aid department at the college or university you plan to attend. They will complete their section and forward it back to the Laguna Higher Education Program.

Step 4: see that your high school transcripts, Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), SAR and other requested documents (refer to the handbook) are forwarded to the Laguna Higher Education Program by the required deadlines.

Step 5: upon receipt and processing of all documents an award letter will be mailed to you indicating the outcome of your application. If awarded a scholarship, the letter will indicate the amount you will receive for the academic year. The letter normally reaches you before or at the time you begin your studies. Treat the award letter like the important document that it is. Most colleges and universities will honor the letter at their bookstores for books and school supplies. Should your federal financial aid arrive late this award letter could prove to be very valuable.

Step 6: upon receipt of the award letter, complete the Individual Plan for Success (IPS), sign it and return the original signed page to the Laguna Higher Education Department. Keep a copy for your records. The IPS is an agreement between you, as a student, and the Laguna Scholarship Program, as a scholarship provider. The opportunity to receive continued funding is contingent upon satisfying the requirements of the program. Again, the handbook indicates what those requirements are for students.

How much money can I receive?

Keep in mind the Laguna Scholarship is a supplemental needs based award. This means that these monies will not likely pay for all of your educational and personal needs. It's important to seek additional funding sources beyond the Laguna Scholarship.

Nevertheless, it's possible for students to qualify for up to $8,000 per academic year for a period of up to five years. The average award ranges between $2,000 to $5,000 per year for most students. Important factors such as college expenses, personal income, resources, additional scholarships, federal grants and loans figure into the calculation formula. Again, refer to the handbook for guidelines for award calculations.

How do I receive the money?

The Laguna Scholarship Program is funded through the Laguna Education Foundation and/or Bureau of Indian Affairs federal funds. There are specific guidelines and requirements, depending on which funding source is being used. For example, BIA Funds can only be applied toward tuition, housing and books. If LEF are used there is more latitude to include: childcare, transportation and personal needs.The scholarship awards are disbursed to the college or universities' financial aid office. If Tribal funds are awarded (in the amounts of $1,000 or less) monies may be sent directly to the students.

What must I do to maintain my Laguna scholarship?

A student must maintain satisfactory progress with their grades and credits. This means a minimum of 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) and not less than 12 credits for each term. Students must successfully complete at least 67% of their total hours attempted at the college or university they are attending. If a student falls below these standards they risk losing their scholarship. Additional information on satisfactory progress and the appeal process is provided in the student handbook.

Can I get a Laguna scholarship for graduate school?

The Laguna Education Foundation has received funding for a limited number of graduate scholarships, beginning in Fall 2004. Applications may be obtained from the Higher Education office.