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
Cycle
Apply each year
Application cycle begins June 1 for programs beginning after June
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 at the same level are not eligible
When to Apply
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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.
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Log In to OASIS
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Create / Update your Profile
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Complete the Eligibility Form / Get Matched
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Apply to Your Matches
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Accept Your Offer
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You Said Yes. Now What?
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Track Your Award
Ready to apply?
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.
Alumni Spotlight
Built with their hands. Backed by Cobell.
Meet scholars who turned trade skills into careers — and brought those skills home.
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Callie Olson
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Dakota Zimmerman
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Drew Harper
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Jevlyn Medina
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Justin Eagle Horse
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Kristy Housler
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Kylie J. Torres
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Lily Sobolewski
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Nakea John
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Nathaniel Becker
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Nikolai Orloff
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Tuff R. TallBull