The National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators (NTGCR) is excited to announce that scholarship applications for the Spring 2026 semester are now being accepted. Applications must be received no later than the close of business (5 p.m. PST) on Monday, December 1, 2025 or postmarked by December 1, 2025.
Scholarships are available to support educational opportunities that strengthen the knowledge and skills of the next generation of tribal business and community leaders. In addition, the NTGCR also supports students in law school pursuing a juris doctorate.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required materials are included. Applications may be completed and supporting documents may be submitted online for convenience.
NTGCR Spring 2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open
Scholarship Program
The National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators® (NTGCR®) is proud to support the next generation of Native leaders by awarding two (2) scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each to students pursuing higher education. These scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who are enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university.
Additionally, in honor of the late Jess Green, a distinguished Chickasaw attorney who played a pivotal role in advancing Indian gaming in Oklahoma and tirelessly advocated for Native American rights and tribal sovereignty, NTGCR offers one (1) $2,500 scholarship specifically for students pursuing a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
Supported by various fundraising efforts, contributions from Associate Members, and generous individual donations, the NTGCR Scholarship program has awarded over $175,000 to aspiring Native students over the lifetime of the program.
These scholarships reflect NTGCR’s ongoing commitment to education, empowerment, and the defense of tribal sovereignty.
Eligibility
Understand the eligibility criteria for our scholarships and how you can qualify for financial assistance.
Deadline Dates
Stay updated on the deadline dates for scholarship applications to ensure you don't miss out on the opportunities.
Selection Criteria
Stay updated on the deadline dates for scholarship applications to ensure you don't miss out on valuable opportunities.
Eligibility
Understand the eligibility criteria for our scholarships and how you can qualify for financial assistance.
Deadline Dates
Stay updated on the deadline dates for scholarship applications to ensure you don't miss out on the opportunities.
Selection Criteria
Stay updated on the deadline dates for scholarship applications to ensure you don't miss out on valuable opportunities.
Eligibility
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Must be an enrolled member of a United States federally-recognized American Indian tribe Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian group.
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Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university within the United States.
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Must not have received the NTGCR® or Jess Green Scholarships in the previous semester.
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Must be a graduating high school senior, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing a degree in higher education at an accredited college or university as a full-time student.
Selection Criteria
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Students will be evaluated on academic achievement, as shown by their grade point average and curriculum rigor.
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Students are also evaluated on their exhibition of leadership in school, civic and extra-curricular activities; honors and awards received; character, as evidenced by community involvement and volunteer work; personal essay; letters of recommendation; and professional development.
Application Deadlines
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A complete application, along with the corresponding required documents as indicated in the application packet, must be postmarked, or received online, or via email:
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On or before June 30th of each year for consideration for the fall semester
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On or before November 30th for the spring semester.
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Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline date will not be accepted.
Application Requirements
In order to be considered for a scholarship award, the applicant must have and/or submit:
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A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application;
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Proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution (e.g., trade school, junior college, college/university)
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Official High School and/or College Transcript;
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Photograph, small color (e.g., passport photo);
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Copy of Tribal Membership Card or CDIB;
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Copy of ACT, SAT, or GRE score or other academic entrance test score;
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Three (3) letters of recommendation from professional or educational sources.
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Personal Essay: No more than four (4) pages, typewritten, double-spaced. Address each of the following:
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Personal background information (yourself, family, school, community). Please note if you speak your tribal language or if you are learning your tribal language and other cultural skills.
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Explanation of any item(s) checked above.
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Your degree plan for higher education and why you have chosen this field of study.
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How you plan to serve your tribal people when you complete your higher education.
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Why you should be selected for this scholarship? (e.g. special interests, exceptional skills & ability, personal need, or anything else you would like to tell about yourself).
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Submission Instructions
Please combine and send one pdf document with application and all attachments together. We understand that official transcripts may come directly from the institution.
Emailed applications should be sent to: ScholarshipCommittee@ntgcr.com
If you wish to complete your application and send via mail, please combine all documents into one envelope if possible, and send to:
National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators
Attn: Scholarship Committee – Dawn Reiter
P.O. Box 454
Oneida, WI 54155