Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
David Risling Emergency Aid Scholarships
The Association on American Indian Affairs offers David Risling Emergency Aid Scholarships in amounts ranging from $100-400 for acute, temporary emergencies (eviction, daycare dismissal, utility disconnections...). Applications for this scholarship are not considered during the "regular" scholarship process. Scholarships are available to students from federally recognized tribes during both fall and spring semesters for emergencies that arise during the fall and spring semesters only. Students may not apply for funding due to circumstances which occurred during the summer. Tuition, books, computers, gas and expected expenses are not considered emergencies. Students may receive only one scholarship per academic year. If you are a recipient of one of our other scholarships, you are not eligible for emergency aid. If you have questions about whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, contact Lisa Wyzlic at lw.aaia@verizon.net or 240-314-7155. Scholarship disbursement is based on availability of funds. If awarded, turn around time is approximately 2 weeks.
Please mark outside of mailing envelope "Emergency Aid".
Additional information is required for this scholarship.
- Description of need.
- Proof of need such as receipts/estimates
All items listed on the application check sheet must be included. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Possible sources of funding for emergency situations:
Students often overlook additional sources of funding that may prevent an emergency or help during an emergency. According to SAY Magazine's University and College Guide several colleges and universities offer emergency aid. This should be the first place you check.
Look for funding through local civic organizations, local churches, and businesses in your field that may be willing to do a work payback program. If you are not 100%, look for organizations in your other heritage that may have scholarship programs or may be able to assist with emergency situations. There are many ethnic organizations - German-American, Polish-American, Latin-American...
If you run into a situation with your rent, talk to your landlord and try to negotiate a partial payment or payment arrangement - maybe pay twice per month instead of 1 larger payment. If you run into a situation with your utilities, call them and negotiate a partial payment or payment date. Utility companies often have budget plans where you can pay the same amount throughout the year to avoid the high payments during the cold of winter or heat of summer. They also often have programs for low income households and there are federal programs that they can refer you to. Some states may also have programs that prohibit utilities being turned off if a temperature reaches a specific high or low.
If you are disabled, check with your state rehabilitation services office to see if there are any programs you qualify for such as vocational rehabilitation if you were working and can't go back to your previous job due to illness or injury.
If you are unemployed due to a lay off, check to see if your state has a workforce development program in place with possible funding for re-training or other services.
If you are low income, check with social services to see if you are eligible for TANF or food stamps. Locate local food pantries.
If you have car problems check with your local community college to see if they have an automotive technology program which includes a community program where they will work on your car for a significantly reduced price or for free.
If you are a veteran there may be help available through the many veterans organizations other than the Veteran's Administration.
