Kiowa Higher Education

Important Note: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Kiowa Higher Education Program is only allowed to discuss student information and application status with the student applying for assistance only.

The Kiowa Higher Education Department is the higher education office of the Kiowa Tribe. Kiowa tribal members pursuing post-secondary degrees or vocational training are eligible for:

- vocational and academic counseling
- dissemination of information including resources for preparing for the ACT, and other standardized tests
- dissemination of information on educational opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and internship programs
- the Higher Education Award Program, which provides a limited number of awards each academic term for meeting academic and financial need criteria
- supplemental financial assistance for eligible vocational training
- graduation recognition

The Kiowa Higher Education Department provides services to graduating high school students and continuing college and vocational students in order to develop leadership and create opportunity for our membership, and ultimately for the benefit and future of Kiowa children, families, and communities.

Online portal now available:

https://kiowa.smapply.us/prog/kea_higher_education_scholarship/

You have the option to download and print the application instead. It can be found below under "Documents".

Programs
The Higher Education Award Program is intended to provide supplemental financial assistance to college students in good academic standing. A limited number of awards are available each academic term based on available funding. Priority consideration is given to completed applications at the beginning of each funding period (July 1 for fall and November 1 for spring). Summer school assistance is permissible based on available funding per year. This program is open to all Kiowa members, regardless of residence.

The Graduate Recognition Program formally recognizes high school, associate, bachelor and graduate school degree completion. Recognition programs are held each spring (fall and winter graduates should apply the following spring). Participants apply to be formally recognized each spring beginning April 1. Recent graduates and students who provide verification of meeting the graduation requirements of their institution are eligible to apply regardless of prior program participation. This program is open to all Kiowa members regardless of residence.

The Adult Vocational Training (AVT) program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Kiowa Tribal Members interested in enrolling, or currently attending vocational or technical school. AVT program participants are provided supplemental aid for books, tuition, fees, and in some cases, living expense allowance for the duration of the vocational program. AVT programs may be subject to the approved tribal service area, which is a geographical area designated and approved by a tribal nation and/or BIA for service delivery.

The Direct Employment Assistance (DEA) provides assistance to eligible Kiowa Tribal members who seek and obtain new, full-time permanent employment within the approved tribal service area, which is a geographical area designated and approved by a tribal nation and/or BIA for service delivery. This one-time payment is intended to assist with transportation, uniforms, supplies, equipment, and expenses while starting a new job, and prior to receiving the first full paycheck. This assistance is provided to tribal members who seek and obtain new, full-time and permanent employment in our Kiowa tribal service area.
Deadlines
For consideration of Spring Funding:
Completed application and all required documentation:
December 15th

For consideration of Summer Funding:
Completed application and all required documentation:
April 15th

For consideration of Fall Funding:
Completed application and all required documentation:
July 15th