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Native Public Media Establishes

Communication Scholarship Fund for Native Americans

Flagstaff, Arizona – February 2, 2012 -- Native Public Media, an organization dedicated to serving Native media makers, announced during the Tribal Telecom 2012 Conference that it has established a Communications Scholarship Fund for Native Americans in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation.

“This fund will provide scholarships to Native American students with a demonstrated commitment to utilizing technology in the student’s chosen field of study in innovative ways that help advance Native American communities. Funds may also be used to support specific research projects exploring innovative uses of technology to promote healthy, engaged, independent Native communities,” states Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media.

The scholarship was initially established through funds from the Tribal Telecom 2012 Conference.

Randy Evans, conference organizer explains: “Modernized communications and technology infrastructures are essential for education and community development in this digital age and global economy. Yet, when it comes to telecommunications and internet access, and particularly broadband (high speed internet), Native American communities are among the most unserved and underserved in the nation. This conference serves as a catalyst for an ongoing, forward-looking dialogue about options and solutions to advance digital opportunity for tribal communities. In keeping with the purpose and theme of the conference, the organizers are privilege to help Native Public Media fund this new Communication Scholarship Fund for Native Americans.”

The fund is sponsored by Native Public Media and administered by the Arizona Community Foundation. The scholarships, which will be awarded beginning in the Spring 2013, will be available to any enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe, and will not be limited to any particular state or region.

“The Arizona Community Foundation is honored to partner with Native Public Media to administer this scholarship fund,” said Steven G. Seleznow, president and chief executive officer. “We recognize how vitally important these scholarships are to expand educational and economic opportunities for the students who receive them and for the communities they represent.”  

"Native Public Media and the Arizona Community Foundation are equipping the next generation of Native Journalists with the skills they need, not only to sustain their profession, but to ensure that it thrives," stated Sascha Meinrath, Director of the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative.  

“Native Public Media is increasing its efforts to make a difference in the tribal community, through education and technology, and we feel that this is just another step in helping individuals find their calling. It is an attempt to open a door for someone to use communications technology to advance their tribal community and help its independence for a better future,” states Matthew R. Rantanen

For more information about the Native Public Media Communication Scholarship:  Scholarship_Announcement