Growing in the knowledge of our Native ancestors that may not be taught at these schools is also deeply valued in our scholarships. We recognize and honor our holistic intellectual legacies that have been on this land since time immemorial.
Scroll Below for Application!
Deadline: August 18, 2024 11:59 PM
Through our three Pukúu scholarships, we work to help transform the educational systems upon our Indigenous lands for a healthier and more just world—for our ancestors, present, and future generations. Pukúu, we are one!
Tomiar Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship
Eligibility: Native American-American Indian-Indigenous to this continent (North, Central, and South), or Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian or Tagata Sāmoa / Native Samoan students who reside in the State of California.
In 1971, Pukuu’s founders Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians established a scholarship fund that provides awards to help American Indian students with higher education studies. Upon the passing of the Tribe’s Tomiar (traditional captain) and Tribal President, Pukúu’s board of directors named this fund in his honor: “Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship.”
Eligibility: Students concentrating on tribal cultural resources management and preservation, including but not limited to archaeological field schools or programs, language revitalization, anthropology, and/or Native American/American Indian studies who reside in the State of California.
Caitlin Gulley, a graduate of University of California Los Angeles, began her journey with the Tribe in 2014 as a Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation officer. She was instrumental in defending and preserving the cultural resources of a non-federally recognized tribe and became determined to further her education in law due to the legal aspects intertwined with the practice of cultural resources protection. The Tribe treasured her as a family member beyond the organizational structure of the Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation department.
Tribal Senator Austin Martin Memorial Scholarship
Endowment established by the Martin Family.
Eligibility: Native American-American Indian-Indigenous to this continent (North, Central, and South), or Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian or Tagata Sāmoa / Native Samoan students who reside in the State of California.
Tribal Senator Austin Martin served as a Tribal Senator on the legislative branch of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Senator Martin had the spirit for uplifting his people towards a bright future and was especially passionate about empowering Tribal youth.
Tribal Affiliation
Applicants for the Tomiar Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship and/or the Austin Martin Memorial Scholarship must be:
- Native American-American Indian-Indigenous to this continent (North, Central, and South), or Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian or Tagata Sāmoa / Native Samoan who reside and attend an accredited College, University, or Trade/Vocational School in the State of California.
Applicants for the Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship do not need to demonstrate Tribal affiliation. However, they must be:
- Students concentrating on tribal cultural resources management and preservation who reside and attend an accredited College, University, or Trade/Vocational School in the State of California.
All Applicants must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate students and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 for all graduate students. In lieu of minimum GPA requirement being met, applicant may provide an explanation of why this requirement was not met for Scholarship Sub-Committee consideration
Optional: community service within the previous 12 months as validated by their college nominator either on campus or in the community.
Scholarship Application must consist of:
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Online Application: Please answer all questions, upload any supporting documents and submit your application.
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Personal Statement Essay: All applicants must answer the essay questions by either uploading a digital word file or a .PDF file.
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Transcripts: Unofficial student transcripts from colleges and universities are acceptable for initial application. For first year college students, high school transcripts AND proof of higher education enrollment will be accepted. For all scholarship recipients, official copies will be required before award is granted.
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Letter of Recommendation: Native American/American Indian Community or Public Community Recommender.
Please be prepared to include the essay as an attachment. In 1-2 pages, please discuss your academic, career, community, and personal goals, as well as any extenuating circumstances, needs, hardships, or any other information that you would like the Scholarship Sub-Committee to be aware of when reviewing your application.
Be sure to respond to the following questions:
- How do you view Native American culture and its importance to you?
- How do you plan to “give back” to Native Americans after graduation?
- How are you now actively involved in the Native American community both on and off campus?
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The online application form will be available from February 23, 2024 through August 18, 2024 11:59 PM (PST).
All documents must be digitally submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time the evening of the due date. Late applications will not be accepted. No faxed applications will be accepted. The applicant is responsible for following up on their application status with the administration office.
If you have any questions, need clarifying information, or technical assistance in completing any portion of the Pukúu, Cultural Community Services Scholarship Applications, please feel free to contact our office at 818-336-6105.
DUE DATE
August 18, 2024 11:59 PM (PST).
Scholarship Application
The online application form will be available from February 23, 2024 through August 18, 2024 11:59 PM (PST).