Tools of the Trade Grant
Native American students in health fields may need specific tools to complete their coursework.
In order to assist Native American students to begin their school year successfully, students may need specific tools (other than textbooks), to complete their coursework.
The AIEF Program partners with post secondary schools* offering the opportunity to apply for a competitive grant. This grant would assist students in obtaining “tools for learning” that they may need and cannot afford.
Tools are defined as supplies individual students may need to assist them with completing coursework. If students do not complete their coursework, relevant tools are to be left with the sponsoring school for other students to utilize.
Starting with 2015, only one application is needed to cover the tools for either health or building trades.
Post Secondary Institutions ONLY can now download the Tools of the Trade Grant application covering both health-related and building trade fields. (The application form is currently being updated. Please check back later for the latest version.)
Health Fields
For example, nursing students may require some or all of the listed items below:
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure Monitor
- A Watch with a second hand
- Name Tag
- Pen Light
- Nursing Uniform - blue polo shirt, white pants or scrubs, white long-sleeved jacket or lab coat
- White tennis shoes or other shoes - for clinical use only
- Tote bag for carrying clinical shoes
- Background check fee
- First Aid/CPR
- Nursing Liability Insurance
For example, the following undergraduate health-related disciplines would be eligible*:
- Dental Assistance and related fields
- Expressive/Creative Arts Therapies
- Laboratory Science
- Medical Imaging
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Veterinary Medicine Technician
- Vision Technician and related fields
The building trade requires multiple tools. Purchasing them can be a daunting task for many Native American students who are already struggling financially.
Building Trades
A partial list of common tools that building trade students may require can include:
- Adjustable wrench
- Hacksaw and spare blades
- Measuring tape
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Hard hat
- Nursing Hearing protection device (foam plugs or head set)
- Nail apron or tool belt, and Hammer holster
- Pair work boots, hard sole, leather uppers
- Drill; cordless drill
- Carpenters level
- Pair of pliers
The following undergraduate Building Trade disciplines are eligible*:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- cabinet making — woodworking
Post Secondary Institutions ONLY can download the Challenge Grant application, but at this time, we are not accepting new applications. Please contact RaeAnne Schad at 866-866-8642 or rschad@nativepartnership.org if you have any questions.
* Priority is given to institutions located in the states of: Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. If you are a Native American student in need of emergency assistance, please talk to your on-campus advisor.