Awarding Process for Spring 2012 Scholarships, Financial Assistance Delayed Until Late January 2012



WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance this week announced that decisions regarding scholarships and financial assistance for Spring 2012 are on hold until federal funds are available.

ONNSFA, which is primarily funded by federal funds through a P.L. 93-638 contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, projects that federal funds will not be available until late January 2012.

“We understand students’ concerns about the delay in the awarding process,” Rose Graham, ONNSFA Director said. “However, our office cannot make any commitments until funding is in place.”

“We hope that by providing notice to students, they may be able to make alternative arrangements or seek additional resources to pay for their college education in the spring,” Graham said.

In Spring 2011, a majority of college students seeking financial assistance from the ONNSFA did not receive their awards until mid-semester. The same scenario is expected for Spring 2012.

“Students also should be aware that ONNSFA receives thousands of applications and federal funding will not be sufficient to fund all those who are eligible,” Graham said.

“Each semester, students are encouraged to submit their complete application package as early as possible due to the fact that scholarships and financial assistance are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“In addition, we encourage everyone to apply for other sources of funding,” Graham said. “Many sources are listed on www.onnsfa.org under ‘funding types.’”

Graham said the search for additional sources of financial aid should start as early as possible. High school students should consult with their counselors to line up financial aid before they enter college.


Information released by Carolyn Calvin, Senior Public Information Officer

Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance