Indigenous Women Learning Online Support Program

Oregon State Ecampus is proud to introduce the Indigenous Women Learning Online Support Program, a new initiative designed to uplift and support Indigenous women who are pursuing their undergraduate education online.

Through the generous support of the OSU Women’s Giving Circle, this program provides (1) financial assistance to Indigenous women who are affiliated with a federally recognized tribe*; and (2) community connection and personalized academic support to a broader cohort of students with a demonstrated interest in addressing barriers to academic success in accordance with the university’s access mission.

About the program

Indigenous women face unique challenges in accessing and completing higher education, including financial strain, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to culturally responsive support systems.

The Indigenous Women Learning Online Support Program addresses these barriers head-on by offering meaningful financial assistance, community connection, personalized academic support, and an intentional space for personal growth.

This program is one step toward a more inclusive and supportive online learning environment for all students at Oregon State.

What participants receive

Up to nine Indigenous students who are affiliated with a federally recognized tribe and registered as an Ecampus student will be selected through an application process to receive a $1,000 stipend to help offset the cost of learning online through Ecampus. The stipend will be applied to a student’s account.

In addition, stipend recipients will join a cohort – open to all Ecampus students – which offers the following benefits:

• Monthly cohort gatherings: Students will join a supportive monthly cohort meeting with fellow participants to build community, reflect and share experiences. Monthly themes will guide discussion and connection, with topics that center Indigenous perspectives and lived experiences.
• Indigenous faculty & guest speakers: Cohort sessions will feature Indigenous faculty, staff, alumni and leaders from across Oregon State and beyond. These guest speakers will share their expertise and create opportunities for dialogue, mentorship and inspiration.
• Success coaching: Participants will receive individualized and group-based success coaching from a dedicated Ecampus Student Success Coach, providing support tailored to each student’s academic goals and personal well-being.

Program goals

The Indigenous Women Learning Online Support Program is rooted in a strength-based, holistic framework that honors the identities, responsibilities and aspirations of Indigenous women. Its goals are to:

• Alleviate financial barriers to help students access and persist in their degree programs.
• Create space for community and belonging through cohort-based engagement and culturally relevant support.
• Promote academic success by offering one-on-one coaching and meaningful connections with Indigenous scholars and leaders.

Eligibility

The $1,000 stipend opportunity is open to Ecampus students who:

• Are affiliated with a federally recognized tribe.
• Have some level of financial need that impacts their ability to continue their studies.
• Identify as a woman. *

The community and academic success aspects of the program are open to Ecampus students who:

• Have a demonstrated interest in addressing barriers to academic success in accordance with the university’s access mission.
• Are currently enrolled in an Oregon State Ecampus undergraduate or postbaccalaureate program.

* Note: OSU scholarships that limit eligibility by sex and/or gender are administered through a process that ensures that students who identify as another sex and/or gender are not disadvantaged in terms of the number of scholarship opportunities available.

For additional scholarship opportunities, please visit the OSU ScholarDollars website. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to explore our hardship grant. Additionally, academic support services are also available.

How to apply

Please contact Eddie Rodriguez, Ecampus student engagement program manager, at eddie.rodriguez@oregonstate.edu, to learn more and apply.