The University of Phoenix is instituting a new scholarship dedicated to Native American students. The First Nations Scholarship is in the amount of a $5,000 award and may be used for tuition and fees at the University of Phoenix or Axia College of University of Phoenix.

Phoenix will offer two such scholarships to eligible members of a U.S. Tribal Nation provided those students are not already receiving 100 percent tuition reimbursement. The application deadline for the new scholarship has been set for October 15.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education reports that the University of Phoenix is already among the top ranking universities for Native American graduate student completions. The new First Nations Scholarship should further increase enrollment as well as further student graduate options.

Dr. Kathryn Harris Tijerina was appointed earlier this year to the position of National Director of Tribal Relations. Dr. Tijerina previously served as the President of the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Among Tijerna's professional experiences was to serve as counsel to the US Senate Committee of Indian Affairs. While working with the Senate group she helped draft the Indian Religious Freedom Act.