AISES Announces the “Together Towards Tomorrow (T3) Fund”
COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund for Native American/Indigenous College Students
In support of Native American/Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, AISES has created the “Together Towards Tomorrow (T3) Fund” to provide one-time scholarships of $500. Scholarships will be provided based upon available funding. To expedite funding, all funds will be paid directly to students.
AISES has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and has recognized that with the closure of colleges and universities many students are facing serious challenges and have only a short window of time to make alternative living arrangements. Additionally, many students are now finding themselves unemployed for many reasons. First, due to campus closures, many students employed through work study have lost their jobs. Second, many students are now finding their summer internships are being canceled by companies and agencies across the nation, leaving students with no employment/income over the summer. Third and finally, with the massive closure of many businesses in the service industry across the nation, many students who were employed in that sector are now unemployed. In addition to unemployment, we also recognized that many Native students are facing substantial challenges with online classes as a result of not owning computers and/or losing access to campus computer labs. This is further compounded by the fact that many students do not have internet access at home because of the associated costs with internet service. While all of these challenges are complex, we know that providing students some emergency funding will go a long way in helping them address their unique situations. Further, we know timing is important – students need help now.
AISES has set an initial goal of raising a minimum of $5,500 before accepting applications and making awards. Once the initial goal is met, applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis. Each time the T3 Fund reaches a balance of $5,500 (or greater in increments of $5,500), AISES will make awards. Awards are granted on a first come, first serve basis to those who meet all of the qualifications. When funds are available, it is anticipated awards will be made within one week. AISES will begin accepting applications on its website upon meeting initial fundraising goals. Visit the AISES website: https://www.aises.org/t3 or sign up here: http://aises.informz.net/AISES/pages/Sign_Up_Page to receive regular updates on this and other AISES programs.
Private foundations, corporations, businesses, or Tribes interested in making a contribution to the Fund should contact Kellie Jewett-Fernandez, Chief Development Officer, at kjfernandez@aises.org for more information. Individuals may make donations via AISES secure donation portal: http://www.aises.org/donate/t3 using a credit card. Individuals interested in contributing may also contact Montoya Whiteman, Senior Director of Marketing, at mwhiteman@aises.org for additional information. Contributions may also be sent directly to AISES:
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
4263 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Please be sure to indicate that your contribution is for the T3 Fund.
Contributions will be subject to a one-time 10% administrative fee to help offset the cost of bank fees and staff time associated with this program. As a 501c3 Public Charity, AISES relies on contributions, sponsorships, and grants to support its mission. Our actual administrative overhead is approximately 19%; however, we recognize the critical need for this assistance and are thus providing in-kind staff time to make this program possible. Contributions to the T3 Fund are tax deductible to the extent the law allows.
Students with questions can contact AISES at scholarships@aises.org.
As we anticipate receiving a large number of applicants, AISES will not be accepting any phone calls regarding the T3 Fund.
