Native Leadership Scholarship

The Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Native Leadership Scholarship is named for USC alumnus Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, the first member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation to earn a master’s degree. During World War II, he fought for the U.S. Army and in recognition of his heroic actions, subsequently became the tribe’s last war chief. As tribal historian for the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation for more than 50 years, he published seminal and influential works about Native American history and culture. A scholarship made it possible for him to attend USC as a graduate student, and in 1939 he completed his master’s degree in anthropology. In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate—one of four awarded throughout his life. He died in April 2016 at age 102. The Native Leadership Scholarship program pays forward his legacy and represents the principles Medicine Crow embodied throughout his extraordinary life and career.

Students who submit a Common Application by the Early Action or Early Decision deadline of November 1, or by the Regular Decision deadline of December 1 for majors requiring a portfolio or audition, will receive an email with a link to the scholarship application.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Cho, Senior Assistant of Undergraduate Admission, at rachelcho@usc.edu.

The Native Leadership Scholarship is administered consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited characteristic.