Yakama Higher Education Endowment Fund

Support Future Generations of Yakama Scholars!  Support our Youth. Support our Future. 

The Yakama Nation Higher Education & Adult Vocational Training Program serves over 350 students at 105 different institutions across the United States. Our students pursue degrees in Business, Social Work, Education, American Indian Studies, Environmental Science, and more! 

In 2013, our tribal leadership identified a need for an endowment to ensure that we could provide scholarship funding for our growing number of students each year. The goal of the Yakama Higher Education Endowment Fund is to support future generations of Yakama students and we expect to award the first scholarships from this fund in 2028. Every dollar contributed to the endowment will be strictly used for future scholarship awards. 

Kw’ałanúushamash (Thank You)

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Yakama Nation Scholarship Alumni Association is to build a secure future for the Yakama Nation by ensuring that our children, grandchildren, and those yet unborn have the opportunity to pursue Higher Education goals. Through the Yakama Higher Education Endowment Fund, the Yakama Nation seeks to provide a perpetual source of income in support of higher education scholarships for the Yakama people. 

Core Values:

Timnak'nik-Compassion: To show kindness and care towards others whether in listening, speaking, helping or performing a service. 

Nak'isikw'at-Leadership: To be a positive role model for future generations. 

Tmaakt-Respect: To show care and regard for preserving and protecting the cultural traditions, beliefs, and unwritten laws of the Yakama Nation

Wapiitata Tl'aaxw-Service to Other: To serve others by modeling and encouraging education and the pursuit of life goals.

Taaminwa Skuulilama-Always a Student: To recognize that we are in a constant state of growth and learning.