The Chief Manuelito Scholarship is the highest academic award of the Navajo Nation, created to honor Chief Manuelito (Hastiin Ch’ilhaajiin) and his call for education while preserving Diné language and culture. The program recognizes outstanding Navajo students and helps fund undergraduate study at accredited colleges and universities.
Below you’ll find who’s eligible, how much it pays, what documents you need, and how to submit a strong application—backed by official ONNSFA pages and recent announcements.
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What the Chief Manuelito Scholarship Covers
- Typical award size: Recent school and scholarship listings describe the Chief Manuelito Scholarship as about $7,000 per academic year for eligible recipients. (Always confirm the exact amount in the current ONNSFA cycle.)
- Not automatic—reapply yearly: You must re-apply each year for continued consideration.
- Academic standing to keep it: Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and complete 12+ graded college credits each term.
Chief Manuelito Scholarship Eligibility
At a high level, applicants must meet ONNSFA criteria for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship:
- Navajo Nation enrollment & documentation
- Applicants submit a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) (new applicants) and other ONNSFA-required proofs.
- Academic performance & status
- Scholarship is for undergraduate study at accredited institutions; AAS/Certificate-seeking students are ineligible.
- 3.0 minimum GPA is required to maintain the award each term; see ONNSFA for current selection criteria.
- Credit completion pathway (for continuing college students)
- ONNSFA notes the “24/3 rule”: complete 24 college-level credits with a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship as a full-time undergraduate.
- For high school seniors (nomination route)
- ONNSFA historically reviews cumulative GPA, corresponding ACT/SAT, and units in Navajo Language and Navajo Government for senior nominations. Verify the current year’s packet before applying.
Tip: ONNSFA may adjust details each cycle. Always check the latest forms and criteria on the ONNSFA website.
Deadlines & Application Window
- 2025–2026 Academic Year (Fall/Spring):
Online application opens March 15 and closes June 25. - Winter/Spring cycle:
Online application opens September 25 and closes November 25.
Confirm dates on the ONNSFA Forms/Deadlines page for your year.
How to Apply for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship
- Create/Log in to your ONNSFA Student Portal account and start the application for your term.
- Upload required documents, which commonly include:
- CIB (if new applicant)
- Unofficial/official transcripts (HS and/or college, as applicable)
- FAFSA confirmation and admission/registration documents (as required by ONNSFA)
- Submit by the deadline and monitor your document status in the portal.
- If nominated as a high school senior, ensure your school has submitted the Chief Manuelito nomination materials per ONNSFA guidance.
Selection Notes & Program Highlights
- The scholarship recognizes academic excellence and Diné cultural commitment; recipients are celebrated annually by Navajo Nation leadership and partner institutions.
- The program is funded primarily by Navajo Nation sources alongside trust funds and other allocations that support ONNSFA programs (context for how awards are resourced).
Quick Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Meet (and exceed) the 3.0 and complete strong credit loads; for seniors, pair a solid GPA with competitive ACT/SAT and ensure Navajo Language/Government units are on your transcript.
- Submit early. The portal opens weeks before the deadline—use that time to fix any missing items.
- Stay eligible after you win. Plan your schedule to hit 12+ graded credits and keep the 3.0 GPA each term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Who is eligible?
Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation who meet ONNSFA academic and documentation requirements (including CIB), studying full-time toward an undergraduate degree at accredited institutions.
2) How much is the award?
Recent references show about $7,000 per academic year; check the current ONNSFA cycle for the exact amount and structure.
3) Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. The scholarship is not automatically renewed; you must reapply annually.
4) What GPA and credits do I need to keep it?
Maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 12+ graded college credits each term.
5) I’m an AAS/Certificate student—am I eligible?
No. The scholarship is not available to AAS/Certificate-seeking students.
6) I’m a high school senior. What should I know?
Seniors are typically nominated by their schools; ONNSFA reviews GPA + ACT/SAT and checks for Navajo Language (1 unit) and Navajo Government (0.5 unit) on the transcript. Always verify the current year’s instructions.
7) Where do I apply?
Through the ONNSFA Student Portal (create an account, upload documents, and track status).
Final Thoughts
The Chief Manuelito Scholarship is more than funding—it’s the Navajo Nation’s flagship recognition of scholarship, language, and service. If you’re eligible, start early in the ONNSFA portal, line up your CIB and transcripts, and keep your grades and credit load strong. Then, reapply each year and stay connected with ONNSFA announcements and your school counselor to ensure you never miss an update.
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