Vocational & Trade Scholarship

Real skills build real futures. Let's get you started.

Accredited trade schools, technical colleges, and certificate programs. Your talent deserves a running start.

Now Open

2025–2026

Apply each year

Application cycle begins June 1 for programs beginning after June

Emmanuel Holiday, Cobell Vocational Scholar
Emmanuel Holiday · Navajo Nation
Callie Olson, Cobell Vocational Scholar
Callie Olson · Rosebud Sioux Tribe

About This Scholarship

Not every career path runs through a four-year university — and we're not going to pretend otherwise. The Vocational & Trade Scholarship supports students in welding, nursing, IT, automotive, cosmetology, construction, and every other accredited program that builds real skills for real careers. If you're learning something the world needs, we want to help you finish.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled member of a U.S. Federally-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation
  • Pursuing a vocational credential, certificate, or occupational license at an accredited, nonprofit institution of higher education
  • Not currently pursuing a bachelor's or higher degree
  • Enrolled full-time (part-time may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • No minimum GPA, but 2.0 or higher is considered competitive
  • Second vocational credentials or certificates are eligible

When to Apply

  • Year-Round

    No reference required. Reviewed on a rolling basis by IEI staff.

    Opens
    Open year-round until funds run out

Key Facts

Award Amount
Up to $7,500/calendar year
Renewable
No, must reapply each year
Enrollment
Full-time required
Degree Level
Certificate / Credential / License
Timeline
Rolling admissions

All applications are submitted through the OASIS portal. Visit OASIS for the most current availability.

Apply

The path forward starts here

Seven steps between you and your scholarship. We'll walk you through every one.

  1. Log In to OASIS

  2. Create / Update your Profile

  3. Complete the Eligibility Form / Get Matched

  4. Apply to Your Matches

  5. Accept Your Offer

  6. You Said Yes. Now What?

  7. Track Your Award

See the full application process

Ready to apply?

Apply on OASIS

Never used OASIS before?

No worries — this short walkthrough covers everything from creating your account to submitting your application. Watch it before you start and you'll breeze through the process.

Watch the OASIS Tutorial

Alumni Spotlight

Built with their hands. Backed by Cobell.

Meet scholars who turned trade skills into careers — and brought those skills home.