Taos Pueblo by Georgia O’Keeffe

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Pueblo Homelands Scholarship Endowment, created through an initial $50,000 gift from Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo), an IAIA alumna, trustee, and renowned artist. The new standalone endowed scholarship is intended to support undergraduate students at IAIA from the 19 New Mexico Pueblos, the Hopi Nation, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, and to grow over time as a source of merit-based scholarship support for generations to come. 

Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, the fund is designed to support up to four students each academic year, with awards of up to $2,500 per student. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at IAIA and be enrolled members of one of the eligible nations or Pueblos. Selection will prioritize demonstrated merit in artistic, academic, cultural, and community-driven work, along with promise, leadership, innovation, and commitment to cultural continuity and community impact. 

“At IAIA, scholarship support helps open pathways for students to thrive artistically, academically, and in service to their communities,” says IAIA president Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “We are deeply grateful to Rose B. Simpson for this visionary gift. The Pueblo Homelands Scholarship Endowment honors relationships to community, culture, and place, and it will help students from Pueblo, Hopi, and Ysleta del Sur communities pursue their education with greater support while carrying forward the creativity and leadership our future depends on.” 

Rose B. Simpson, who established the endowment, said, “IAIA has been an important part of my journey as an artist, writer, and human being. Establishing the Pueblo Homelands Scholarship Endowment is one way for me to give back to a place that has helped shape so many Indigenous students. I hope this scholarship supports students from Pueblo, Hopi, and Ysleta del Sur communities as they deepen their creativity, strengthen their connection to culture and community, and carry that work forward for future generations.”

The scholarship also reflects Simpson’s ongoing relationship with IAIA and her service on the IAIA board of trustees. In addition, during the first year of the fund, through December 31, 2026, any donor who makes a contribution of $5,000 or more to the endowment will be recognized as a founder of the Pueblo Homelands Scholarship Endowment. Founders may be acknowledged in donor listings, communications, and recognition materials related to the endowment.

Scholarships are needed by more than 80% of IAIA students. The Pueblo Homelands Scholarship Endowment expands that support through a long-term investment in students and in the cultural and creative futures of Indigenous communities.