Tinker Scholars
In memory of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker
Annual scholarship programme of the Osage Foundation
Purpose
The Tinker Scholars programme funds qualifying Native American students entering the United States service academies, the ROTC programmes of accredited universities, or undergraduate study in aeronautics, engineering, and applied sciences. The programme is held permanently in the standing memory of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker (1887–1942), Wah-Zha-Zhe, the first Native American to attain the rank of Major General in U.S. Army history.
Eligibility
- Citizenship. United States citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
- Tribal enrolment. Enrolled member of a federally recognised tribe, or first-generation descendant of an enrolled member.
- Programme of study. Admitted (or applying) to a U.S. service academy, an ROTC programme, or an accredited undergraduate programme in aeronautics, engineering, applied science, or a closely related discipline.
- Standing. Demonstrated record of leadership in the candidate’s school or community; no minimum GPA, but transcripts are reviewed in full.
Award
- Full tuition for the academic year, payable directly to the institution.
- Standing maintenance stipend for books and required equipment.
- Apprenticeship placement, where compatible with the candidate’s programme, across Osage Tech, Osage Capital, or partner institutions.
- Renewable annually for the duration of the candidate’s programme, subject to standing.
Application
Applications open each year on 1 March and close on 15 May. Awards are announced on 7 June — the anniversary of the General’s loss at sea, in the closing hours of the Battle of Midway, 1942.
Required materials: one academic transcript, two letters of reference, a short essay on the candidate’s programme of study, and a one-page personal statement. Submit to [email protected].
Governance
Awards are made by the Tinker Scholars Committee, which sits under the Foundation’s Heritage & Memorial Committee and is convened in consultation with the Tinker family delegate. No officer or director of Osage Group may sponsor a candidate from their own household.
Continued reading
- osage.memorial — The standing memorial to Maj. Gen. Tinker.
- /heritage-fund — Capital grants for historical-preservation projects on the Osage Reservation.
- /archive — The Wazhazhe Archive language-preservation programme.