Scholarships for members of
the Navajo Nation
Phefelia H. Nez Best Friends Scholarship
presented in collaboration with
Southern Utah University
Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) is offering scholarship opportunities for the members of the Navajo Nation that include one Southern Utah University (SUU) Online Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree designed for Animal Services, as well as four seats for animal services professional development certificate courses.
Scholarships will be offered annually through 2026.
2024 Key Dates
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Scholarship applications must be submitted by - December 4, 2024
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Scholarship awards announced - December 13, 2024
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Recipients may start coursework as soon as January 8, 2025
Animal Services Professional Development Offerings
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Four scholarships each year for the following:
Principles of Contemporary Animal Services Certificate ($699 value)
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Upon completion is equal to 3 credits applicable to SUU degree
Contemporary Animal Services Foundations Certificate
Includes the following microcredential courses, each worth one credit and offered twice a year ($233 value each):
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- Studies in Contemporary Animal Services
- Dog Lifesaving Course
- Cat Lifesaving Course
Upon successful completion of all three courses, 3 credits can be applied toward SUU degrees.
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All professional development courses are subject to change as per Best Friends Animal Society’s MOU with Southern Utah University.
Bachelors Degree Offering
One scholarship each year for the following:
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Southern Utah University Online Bachelors of General Studies (BGS)
This degree is designed for animal services and is offered annually ($12,000 value)
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Recipients will have a reasonable period of time to finish the degree with the tuition waiver. Credits earned by completing Animal Services professional certificates (listed above) can be applied as electives toward this bachelor's degree.
Criteria for Annual Scholarship Opportunities
- Must be accepted to Southern Utah University
- Agree to and sign a Best Friends Animal Society scholarship/tuition waiver agreement
- At the time of the award of the scholarship, the recipient should either work or plan to work with animals directly for the Navajo Nation, Department of Natural Resources or with an animal welfare nonprofit or other organization who is supporting the Nation in this way.