Applying for the Tohono O’odham Nation Education Assistance Program (EAP)
Start Here: Apply in 3 Easy Steps:
Please allocate up to 30 minutes to complete this.
The enrollment period ends on June 30th, 2025. Once the application closes, all additional relevant information will be sent to you via email.
STEP ONE:
EMPOWER Eligibility Form:
Please provide basic information along with a photo of your Tribal Enrollment Card or Certificate. If you don’t have either, you may submit your Tribal Enrollment Number instead.
Once your form is submitted, we will work with Tribal Enrollment to verify your status and conduct a screening for any defaults. You will receive an email with a timeline and details about the next steps.
STEP TWO:
Once your Tribal enrollment is verified, you will receive an email with instructions to create a login and complete your application. At that time, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Acceptance Letter
Provide an acceptance letter from the institution you will be attending. If you received it via email, you may print it or save it as a PDF. The letter should indicate your enrollment status: part-time (6-11 credits) or full-time (12+ credits). - FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly known as SAR)
This report is generated from the information provided in your FAFSA application. Please complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you are an international student, please submit a W-7 form instead.
Note: Students enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs are not required to apply for the FAFSA Pell Grant. - Program of Study
Provide a document that details the required courses for completing your program or degree. This helps us verify your program’s eligibility. You can obtain this from a school advisor or access the Degree Audit through your student portal.
Tip: Download our Financial Needs Analysis Form. Complete the student section and submit it to your school’s financial aid office.
STEP THREE:
After submitting all required items, your program will be verified, and you can begin uploading the additional documents needed to complete your application:
- Financial Needs Analysis (FNA)
Please enter your information in the top section of this form. Your school’s financial aid officer will fill out the bottom section. The form cannot be finalized until you have applied for Pell (FAFSA).
Note: The student is responsible for completing the top portion of the FNA and submitting it to the school’s financial aid office for the bottom section to be completed. Students should contact their school for instructions on how to submit the form to the financial aid office.
Please submit the completed Financial Needs Analysis to your school’s financial aid department as soon as possible.
Tip: Download our Financial Needs Analysis Form. Complete the student section and submit it to your school’s financial aid office.
- Class Schedule
Submit your class schedule from your institution. This will help determine your full-time or part-time student status. Make sure the number of credits matches those listed on your Financial Needs Analysis (FNA). Additionally, ensure the schedule includes your name, start and end dates, and locations. - High School Graduates/GED
You must submit official high school transcripts with the posted graduation date or official GED scores. Official transcripts are considered unopened and sealed in the envelope. - College/Some College
Submit official transcripts or e-scripts from the most recent college or university attended.
Note: Official transcripts must be certified by the school’s registrar and submitted either by mail directly to the program, via e-script, or hand-delivered in an unopened, sealed envelope. Official transcripts from any prior college attendance must be unopened and sealed in the envelope or digitally sealed through services such as Parchment or Student Clearing House.
- W-9 Form
All students and institutions are required to complete and sign a W-9 Form. This form is mandated by the Tohono O’odham Nation in order to process payments to individuals who may be eligible for funding. Completion of the W-9 is necessary for all students seeking financial assistance. W-9 Form; W-9 Instrucciones; W-9 Form(Spanish); W-7 Instrucciones; W-7 Form(Spanish)
Note: The W-9 or W-7 form must be filled out using the student’s personal information.
Tip: Download the W-9 Form; W-9 Instrucciones; W-9 Form (Spanish); W-7 Instrucciones; W-7 Form (Spanish) - Education Assistance Program (EAP) Agreement
The EAP Agreement will be completed in collaboration with your assigned specialist during orientation. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge and accept all terms, policies, and procedures set forth by the Education Assistance Program.
Education Assistance Program is prepared to assist you on your academic journey.