Scholarship Opportunity for Native Students!

UAII Workforce Development is happy to share that the Morongo Band of Mission Indians is providing up to $10,000 to assist California Indian students in pursuing their educational goals through competitive and meritorious-based financial scholarships. The Rodney T. Matthews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians will provide four (4) awards of $10,000 each.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized California Tribe. (Documentation of Native identity is required. Attach a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, Letter from Tribe, and Photograph).

• Must be a full-time student at an accredited College or University.

• Be actively involved in the Native American community.

• Two letters of recommendation are required:

  1. Academic Recommender

  2. American Indian Community Recommender. Letters of reference must be on official letterhead from the individual supplying the reference.

• Must have completed The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians and be in good standing in accordance with all Scholarship Rules and Regulations.

• All undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and all graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

• Must complete 60 hours of community service with a designated California Indian Community Agency (see attached list of agencies)

• Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have financial needs as determined by the appropriate Office of Financial Aid.

The Rodney T. Matthews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians Application consists of the following:

• The Application (all forms in attached PDF) Answer all questions, sign, and return to:

RTM Scholarship Coordinator

11952 Potrero Rd

Banning, CA 92220

• Personal Statement & Essay Questions: All applicants must answer question A and respond to either item 1 or item 2 from question B. Please type essay responses and attach them to a separate sheet of paper.

• Academic Study Plan (see attached): This form must be completed and signed by your institutional academic advisor for all academic scholarships.

• Transcripts: Official copies of student transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. See the release waiver section in the Terms and Conditions form.

• Letters of Recommendation: Required: 1) Academic Recommender and 2) American Indian Community Recommender. Letters of reference must be on official letterhead from the individual supplying the reference.

• California Indian Community Service Form

• Terms and Conditions Form

• The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Academic Scholarship for California Indians Rules and Regulations.

Application Procedures:

You may request that an application be mailed to you by writing to the RTM Scholarship Coordinator at 11952 Potrero Road, Banning, CA 92220 or you may download the attached file. All documents must be postmarked by the deadline of November 15, 2022, or be hand-delivered to the RTM Scholarship Coordinator by 5:00 PM on the deadline date. NO faxed or late applications will be accepted. You are responsible for following up on the status of their application with the RTM Scholarship Coordinator

Have Questions or Need Assistance?

You can find the application attached if you are interested in this funding opportunity. If you have any questions or need assistance in completing any portion of the Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Academic Scholarship for California Indians application, please call the RTM Scholarship Coordinator at 951-537-7291.