Who We Are
The Native American Center (NAC) provides support services to NMHU Native American students located in Las Vegas, NM for all NMHU branches. Our NAC helps with everything from academic and financial aid opportunities to social interaction with clubs and organizations. Overall, NAC strives to enhance Native American leadership, visibility and resources for Native American students to succeed.
To promote higher education opportunities, NMHU has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tribal governments. The MOU provides a tuition waiver to increase successful completion and retention rate amongst NMHU Native American students.
MOU requirements: You must be a tribal member, be a full-time student, and maintain the required GPA. Each New Mexico Indian Nation is given three tuition waivers and nominates their own students.
What We Do
Students:
Through the center we offer student support services such as academic and peer mentor support and acts as an advocate when necessary.
Academic support includes research in financial assistance, help seeking out internship possibilities and assistance with applying for FAFSA, scholarships or loans.
Other services include connections to resources for tutoring, finding childcare in your area and help with exploring other resources if needed.
You can also use the NAC space for studying.
Faculty and Staff:
The NAC offers support and guidance for our faculty and staff to promote cultural awareness and the understanding of Native American cultures. We also collaborate with faculty, staff and departments on student events, workshops, trainings and campus events.
Contact Information
Native American Center
Phone: 505-454-3192
Email: nativecenter@nmhu.edu
Current Hours
Felix Martinez Building Room 160
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FAQs:
Q: How can I get a tuition waiver (MOU)?
A: You may contact the NAC or NMHU’s financial aid office for more information.
Q: Whom do I contact to get the waiver?
A: Contact your tribal education director.
Q: Does the tuition waiver cover summer courses?
A: The waiver covers fall and spring semesters only.
Q: Is the Native American club only for Native students?
A: No, the Native American Club welcomes all NMHU students; please come and join us!
Q: Where can I get information about scholarships?
A: The NAC has provided a list of scholarship links at your disposal to research and apply for below.
Native American Scholarships
Scholarship application tips
- When researching scholarships, always be on the lookout for scholarships with your tribal education office, community organizations, banks and academic departments.
- Apply to many scholarships as possible. This increases your odds of receiving one because you may not get every scholarship you apply for.
- Most scholarship deadlines are January – May, but be aware of deadlines. Does the scholarship have a “received by” or “postmarked by” deadline?
- Never give out credit card info just to apply or pay for a scholarship service.
- General requirements for most scholarships ask that a student have a minimum 2.5-3.0 cumulative GPA. Keep grades up and be sure to review eligibility requirements on each scholarship application.
- Be sure to proofread your personal statements. If time permits, got to the writing center or have an instructor or mentor review your essay.
- For scholarships that require recommendation letters, give recommenders two weeks to write a recommendation after they accept. It is best to provide information on what scholarship you are applying for, your resume and a pre-paid, addressed envelope to each recommender if being mailed.
- Lastly, present yourself in a professional manner by cleaning up your email address, taking a photo that’s not self-photographed and reviewing your social media presence because first impression is key.
Native American Scholarship Links
American Indian Education Fund
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
American Indian Society of Washington
American Meteorological Society
Association on American Indian Affairs
Daughters of the American Revolution
Society of American Archeology