TNBL Application Requirements and Instructions

The Tribal Nation Building Leadership Program is available to students enrolled at the following campuses: Pullman, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Everett, and Global. Beginning in 2021, TNBL students will participate in an hybrid virtual/in-person course taught from the Pullman campus. Native American Programs staff, Tribal elders, and innovative leaders will also meet with students periodically in person at each campus.

TNBL students receive financial assistance. Students who are enrolled members of one of the Tribes with which WSU has signed the memorandum of understanding (follow link for list of MOU Tribes) are eligible for the MOU Tribal Scholarship. Students who are members or descendants of other Federally or State Recognized Tribes are eligible for the TNBL Scholarship or other funding. Students attending the Global Campus may participate in the TNBL program, but they are not guaranteed funding.

All students interested in the TNBL Program and associated scholarships should apply using the single application link below. The required documents can be uploaded during the application process.

For further information or instruction, contact Joelle Edwards, Director of Native American Student Services:
509-335-8677 • joelle.edwards@wsu.edu 

TNBL Program & Scholarships (MOU and TNBL Tribal Scholarships)

APPLY HERE

Criteria

• Applicants must be an enrolled member or descendent of a Federally Recognized Tribe.
• Applicants must have a minimum high school or college GPA of 3.0.

Application Requirements

Letter of Reference One

• Incoming freshmen: Attach an academic letter of reference, written by a high school administrator, counselor, or teacher, who is familiar with your academic achievements and abilities.
• Transfer students: Attach an academic letter of reference written by a professor or instructor, who is familiar with your academic achievements and abilities.
• This letter of reference should be addressed to the attention of the WSU Provost/MOU Tribal Scholarship. This is not to be written by an immediate relative.

Letter of Reference Two

• Letter of reference written by an individual representing a Tribal government, department or program, or urban/rural Native American organization, program or initiative, who can assess your leadership abilities and commitment to supporting Native American communities. If you are a citizen of an MOU signatory tribe, the letter must be from an individual representing a Tribal government, department, or program to be eligible for the MOU scholarship.
• This is not to be written by an immediate relative.

Essay

Written Statement of 500-750 words answering the following questions:

1. What are your career goals and what has influenced these goals?
2. What does your Native American culture/identity mean to you? Provide an example of how you engage your Native culture/identity or community?
3. How can the Tribal Nation Building Leadership Program and a college education help support and build up Native American communities?