CNAIR Undergraduate Indigenous Engagement Summer Externship Application

Initial ideas are due to Pam Silas and Kat Castillo by January 6th, 2026 

Completed applications due March 1st 2026 for this upcoming summer! 

The Center for Native American and Indigenous Research is pleased to offer the Indigenous Engagement Externship Experience Funding for Undergraduate Students for Summer 2026 (late June - September) or the academic year. Awards will range from $1000 - $3000 depending on externship time and location. 

This funding is meant to support students who are seeking engagement opportunities with Native and Indigenous communities. Funding will help students build and cultivate their relationships with Indigenous communities and will help reduce cost barriers to carrying out summer work. Students who are interested in securing funding for an internship or work opportunity with a tribal nation or indigenous community organization are encouraged to apply to this funding source. The dates should be after the school year has concluded and prior to the beginning of fall quarter. 

A letter of support or confirmation of attendance from the organization/tribe/community is not required for submitting an application to CNAIR. However, if selected, the student is required to secure a letter from the organization/community they are working with prior to travel to receive funding. If students need assistance building initial relationships, they are welcome to connect with CNAIR at cnair@northwestern.edu 

IMPORTANT: For 2026, we encourage all students to contact Pam Silas and Kat Castillo no later than January 6th with initial ideas so that we can help you connect to a tribal organization or find an Indigenous opportunity that is immersed in community. 


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First & Last Name
Email
Tribal Nation/Community Affiliation
Planned Graduation Year 
School 
Please list your Major & Minors 
Please describe the opportunity you are seeking funding for. Include details such as location and community. (150 words maximum)
Is this experience/opportunity already secured with the tribe or Indigenous community organization? 
Clear selection
Optional: Will  tribe or Indigenous community organization need funding to host you? CNAIR can provide up to $1000 to the host organization. (This is not required for students to apply but is an added benefit)
Clear selection
Provide the contact information of host organization. Include organization/tribe name, website, email address, and phone number. Please include link to proposed opportunity, if available.
Please describe how this award will be used to help you build relationships with Native and Indigenous communities? (150 word maximum)
What will you contribute to the community or help to accomplish during the summer? Please list out specific ways your work will contribute to the Indigenous community you are working with. (150 words maximum)
What do you hope to learn through the experience? (150 words maximum)
How will you engage with Native and Indigenous communities during your externship? (150 words maximum)
Total Amount Requested 
Short Budget Proposal: How will you use this funding? 
Please provide a short budget with justification (self-payment, travel, lodging, foods, conference fees, etc.).
If you are selected for an award, do you agree to secure a letter of support from the organization before CNAIR distributes funding? 
Clear selection
If you are selected for an award, do you agree to co-sign student community engagement guidelines. A copy will be provided to your host organization for acknowledgement.
Clear selection
If you are selected for an award, do you agree to submit a 1-page write-up of your summer experience by 9/30/2026?  Photos are welcome!
Clear selection
Submit
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