Native American Scholarship Program 2026-2027: $3,000 Awards No GPA Required
Pursuing higher education often comes with big financial hurdles, especially for Native American students in New Mexico. The Native American Scholarship Program 2026-2027, offered by the New Mexico Gas Company, helps remove those barriers. This program provides real support to help students focus on their studies and future goals.
About the Native American Scholarship Program
The Native American Scholarship Program, or NASP, started in 2011. It has given out more than $524,000 to 265 students from 20 Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations in New Mexico. The goal is to help Native American students build strong futures through education.
New Mexico Gas Company runs the program to support Indigenous communities. It backs students who show drive and a clear plan for their learning.
What Sets NASP Apart
Many scholarships demand high grades, letters from teachers, or certain majors. NASP skips those rules to reach more students. This makes it easier for people with different backgrounds to apply.
Key features include:
- No minimum GPA needed
- No recommendation letters required
- Open to any field of study
- Welcomes full-time and part-time students
- Covers trade schools and technical programs
These options fit a wide range of career paths.
Scholarship Amounts and Numbers
For 2026-2027, the program awards 20 scholarships. Each one is worth $3,000. New students and those renewing can apply.
Renewals are possible for up to three years in a row. The number of new awards depends on renewal requests. Funds go straight to students for costs like tuition, books, and supplies.
Key Dates to Know
Mark these on your calendar:
- Applications open: March 30, 2026
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Results announced: Late June 2026
Winners get honored at an awards banquet. Checks are handed out there, or mailed if you cannot attend.
Who Qualifies
You must meet these basics:
- Live in New Mexico
- Be an enrolled member of a New Mexico Pueblo, Tribe, or Nation
- Be a high school senior about to graduate, have a GED, or be in post-secondary school
Schools count if they offer:
- Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees
- Trade school programs
- Technical or specialized training
Any major works.
How to Apply and Get Selected
Submit your application online at the NMGC-NASP site: APPLY HERE.
The NASP Committee reviews all entries. They check tribal enrollment with your tribe’s government.
For renewals, send:
- Proof you are still enrolled
- An essay on your progress
What Winners Need to Do
If you win, stay on track by:
- Sharing updates on your school progress
- Keeping good standing at your school
- Applying to renew if needed
The company may use your name and photo to share the program’s story.
This program opens doors for Native American students across many paths. It supports communities by building skills for jobs and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Native American Scholarship Program?
You qualify if you live in New Mexico, are an enrolled member of a New Mexico Pueblo, Tribe, or Nation, and are a high school senior, have a GED, or are in post-secondary school.
What are the key application dates for 2026-2027?
Applications open on March 30, 2026, with a deadline of May 1, 2026; results come out in late June 2026.
How much is each scholarship and how many are available?
The program awards 20 scholarships, each worth $3,000, for new and renewing students.
Does the scholarship require a minimum GPA or recommendation letters?
No minimum GPA is needed, and no recommendation letters are required, making it open to more students.