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 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.

You will need to submit the application (and optional letter of recommendation) by January 15. Late applications will not be considered.

• Question 1: We are interested in your engagement with the Native community. Describe or list your participation in academic and/or extracurricular activities, including any leadership roles, awards or honors. This portion can be formatted as a résumé or bulleted list if you wish. Be assured the selection committee will also be able to review the information you provided on your Common Application.
• Question 2: In one to two paragraphs, please describe how your identity influences your engagement and leadership within the Native community.

Please upload one document containing your responses to both questions. (Maximum file size of 1 MB. PDF or Word files only.)

Optional: You may submit up to one letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your involvement in the Native community. Instructions for submitting the letter of recommendation can be found in the application.

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