NEORAAIN
NEORAAIN Scholarship for NSU & NEO Nursing Students
Students who are currently enrolled or admitted to a nursing program at Northeastern State University or Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and who are interested in furthering their nursing education are encouraged to apply for the Northeast Oklahoma Recruitment and Advancement of American Indians into the Nursing program scholarship.
The NEORAAIN program is funded by a grant received through a cooperative agreement with Indian Health Services. The grant was received by NSU, NEO and Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.
NSU and NEO will distribute scholarships to Native American nursing students who are studying at varying degree levels. The program aims to increase the affordability of nursing programs offered at each institution and to create a pathway for nursing students to easily transition between the two.
Deadline for 2026-2027 awards coming Spring 2026!
Requirements
- Students must be American Indian students enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Students are eligible if they have already applied for an IHS Scholarship but were not awarded. Selection is based on financial need and priority is given to those students who are closest to graduation/class seniority.
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Be willing to sign an Indian Health Service Scholarship Program Contract (IHS-818) agreeing to a minimum two-year service commitment to practice at an Indian health facility upon completing your academic and/or post-graduate training.
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Must be currently admitted to or enrolled in a pre-health sciences, ADN, RN to BSN or RN to MSN program at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College or Northeastern State University.
Contact
Dr. Sydney Dorrough
dorrougs@nsuok.edu
(918) 444-5017
Dr. Heather Fenton
fentonh@nsuok.edu
(918) 444-5410
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Contact:
Cindy Keeton-Brown
cynthia.keeton_brown@neo.edu
Program Expectations & Student Responsibilities
The goals of this program are to:
- Increase the number of Native American nurses.
- Support Native American students pursuing nursing degrees.
- Help you succeed in your nursing education.
- Prepare you to serve in Indian health facilities after graduation.
To help you succeed, the program will provide:
- Scholarships to cover tuition, books, fees, and living expenses.
- Mentorship and guidance from nursing faculty and advisors.
- Opportunities to attend professional nursing events and conferences.
As a scholarship recipient, you are agreeing to the following:
- Maintain full-time enrollment in your nursing program until you graduate.
- Maintain good academic standing as defined by your educational institution.
- Serve a minimum of two years in a full-time clinical practice at an Indian Health Service facility, a tribal health program, or a health professional shortage area serving primarily American Indians and Alaska Natives.
- Apply for and accept placement in accordance with IHS policies and procedures.
- Meet with your program director regularly for check-ins and guidance.
- Attend professional development and mentorship events.
The program is committed to supporting you in meeting these expectations. We are excited to help you achieve your goals and become a qualified and compassionate nurse!
It is important to understand the consequences of not fulfilling your scholarship obligations.
If you fail to meet the academic requirements or voluntarily leave the program, you will be required to:
- Repay all scholarship funds received.
- Make this repayment within three years of leaving the program.
If you fail to complete your service obligation, you will be required to:
- Repay three times the amount of scholarship funds received, plus interest.
- Make this repayment within one year of failing to begin or complete your service.
The program understands that unforeseen circumstances can occur. You can request a cancellation, suspension, or waiver of your service obligation if:
- Compliance with the contract terms is impossible or would cause extreme hardship.
- Enforcement of the obligation would be unconscionable.
- Please submit documentation supporting your request to the IHS Scholarship Program.
You can request a scholarship renewal and contract extension each year if:
- The request doesn't extend the scholarship period beyond four years.
You remain eligible for the program. You agree to serve an additional year for each additional year of scholarship support.
This information is intended to provide a clear understanding of your responsibilities and the program's commitment to your success. We believe in your potential and look forward to seeing you thrive in your nursing career!