The Virgil Masayesva Native American Environmental Education Scholarship Fund

The scholarship supports qualified Native American students at NAU pursuing environmental careers, and others who are committed to careers associated with environmental protection of Indian Country. This scholarship helps cover books, housing, and other costs that often are a barrier for student achievement of their academic goals. YOUR gift will support the 2023 student scholarships. Read more about our past scholarship recipients below. 

Who was Virgil Masayesva?

Virgil was the co-founder and director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University. As a director, Virgil directed and managed ITEP's tribal environmental training programs and was instrumental in establishing ITEP's air quality programs including the American Indian Air Quality Training Program, the Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center and many other programs dedicated to the protection and preservation of tribal resources and tribal environmental management. 

Tribes throughout the country have benefited from the environmental trainings, professional assistances, and conferences that ITEP provides. Through Virgil's work and commitment in providing trainings, he has changed the direction of tribal resources and the development of environmental management in Indian country forever. The scholarship honors his tireless pursuit to advance Native American environmental education and protection issues around the country. 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals focuses on the protection and sustainability of Native American land, strengthening tribal capacity and sovereignty in environmental and resource management through culturally relevant education, research, partnerships and policy-based services.