The American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program (AIMS) was started by the NSCDA in 1928 to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males and the career goals now include not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education, as well.

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The current goal is to grant a $1,500 scholarship each semester, as long as the student remains in academic good standing. The scholarship money is restricted to tuition and specific academic expenses. To meet the financial demands of their education, many students seek additional government grants and subsidies and maintain part-time jobs.

To be eligible for a scholarship, the candidate must be:

• Enrolled in a tribe or village. If not enrolled, the student may be considered if he or she can

prove direct tribal ancestry.

• A high school graduate, in the last semester of high school, or have equivalent education
• Enrolled in an accredited school
• Enrolled in the health professional program, having achieved good scholastic standing in prenursing, pre-med; or, enrolled in a health care or health education program
• Expected to graduate two years after enrollment if in an Associate Degree program
• Expected to graduate in four years if pursuing a B.S.
• Post graduate students are also eligible
• Maintaining the scholastic average required by the school
• Recommended by their counselor, teacher or other school official
• In need of financial assistance
• Focused on a career goal directly related to the healthcare needs of the American Indian, Alaskan

Native, or Hawaiian Native community