Albuquerque, NM – This fall 150 American Indian and Alaska Native students will begin their college experience as Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS). These scholars represent 18 states and 37 different American Indian tribes.

Overall, for the 2008-2009 school year GMS awarded one thousand scholarships to highly talented students of color. The 2008 class of Gates Millennium Scholars graduated from more than 800 high schools, representing 47 states and American territories, and will attend 360 different institutions of higher learning. Through the life of the program, a total of 20,000 students will receive scholarships to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Since the program’s inception in 2000, Gates Scholars have established a record of excellence-in school and in life. GMS recipients stay in school, are involved with both campus and home communities and complete their education. They also continue to give back after their academic careers are complete. “The application process is competitive and rigorous but the caliber of the applicants we receive makes the selection process even more challenging. Impressive is the only word to describe these applicants,” said Sam Deloria, Director of the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC). The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is administered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). To assist in the implementation of this program, the UNCF established a partnership with the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars.

Christa Moya, Director of Financial Aid and Student Services for the AIGC Scholars program stated, “Gates Scholars receive more than funding from the program. All Gates Scholars are engaged in an innovative leadership program designed to enhance their academic and leadership skills. As a result, Gates Scholars have a five-year graduation rate of 77.6% and are highly sought after by organizations and corporations when they complete their education.” The GMS application process is now open for the 2009 academic year. All materials for the 2009

GMS application are due January 12, 2009. For more information please visit www.aigcs.org or call 1-877-690-GMSP or AIGC Scholars at 1-866-884-7007 toll free.