Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians 2026

Purpose

The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians provides up to $10,000 each Academic Year and was established to assist California Indian students in pursuing their educational goals through the granting of competitive and meritorious-based financial scholarships. The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians will provide four (4) awards of $10,000 each to support California Indian students who want to continue their education. Scholarships shall be granted to eligible applicants on a yearly basis (if there are funds available). Each award is for a 12-month period, renewable for a second year pending demonstration of exceptional progress. 

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

1. Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized California Tribe. (Documentation of Native identity is required. Attach a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, Letter from Tribe, and Photograph).
2. Must be a full-time student at an accredited College or University.
3. Be actively involved in the Native American community. 
4. Two letters of recommendation are required: 1) Academic Recommender and 2) American Indian Community Recommender. Letters of reference must be on official letterhead from the individual supplying the reference. 
5. Must have completed The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for California Indians and be in good standing in accordance with all Scholarship Rules and Regulations. 
6. All undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and all graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. 
7. Must complete 60 hours of community service with a designated California Indian Community Agency (see attached list of agencies) 
8. Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have financial needs as determined by the appropriate Office of Financial Aid

NOTE:

• Recipients are required to submit official transcripts with final grades after each completed semester/quarter. If you are having an issue obtaining your official transcripts, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator at (951) 4925318.