Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Tax Year 2022

For Tax Year 2022, the ITCA VITA site will be open to in-person tax return preparation services. With the ongoing public health emergency and acting on behalf of concern for the safety of all community members and volunteers, the tax site will provide services by appointment only.

To book an appointment, access the following link: City Of Phoenix VITA | Scheduling and Booking Website (simplybook.me). You may also call 602.534.8359 for assistance.

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Additional Recources

https://www.myfreetaxes.com/

The United Way in partnership with H&R Block is offering an online tax preparation software for service for qualified individuals to prepare their own federal and state income tax returns. The service is free for simple returns which include forms for the following:

W-2 Income
Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
Student education expense
Unemployment income
Student education credits
Student loan interest
Claiming the standard deduction
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child tax credits
Child and dependent care expenses

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Avoid Scams: The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use schemes to steal personal information and money. Remember, the IRS will not call , text you, email you or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information.

Frank J. Caverly Scholarship – 2022

Since 1991, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona has offered the Frank J. Caverly Scholarship for eligible American Indian students enrolled in higher education institutions in Arizona to apply. Over the years, many American Indian students have benefitted from this scholarship program, which was bequeathed by Mr. Frank J. Caverly and the Caverly Family. The Caverly Family had American Indian students in mind when they established this scholarship and ITCA is very proud to offer this opportunity to apply for the Frank J. Caverly Scholarship.

Frank J. Caverly Scholarship

W-9 Tax Form

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Tribal Communities Training, September 20-22

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), in collaboration with the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cooperative Extension, invites you to attend the Tribal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training from September 20th-22nd, 2022. The training will be held virtually, via Zoom.

The target audience for this course will be Tribal Environmental Directors and staff, IPM Coordinators, Housing and Building Directors and staff, Tribal Council and Administrators, Public Health personnel, Senior Center staff, Food Service Managers and staff, Tribal Epidemiology, Tribal School personnel that include educators, nurses, facility managers, buildings and grounds managers and staff. The IPM Training will focus on providing information on IPM philosophy, the biology, behavior, identification, and control of general household pests, to include mosquitos, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, pesticide safety use and indoor air quality information.

Training Announcement

Training Agenda

Registration

To register for the training, you may register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPSPB2F. The registration deadline for the training is Thursday, September 15, 2022. A zoom join link will be sent to the registered email after completion.
Thank you in advance for your interest in the Tribal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training. We look forward to your attendance. Should you have any questions regarding registration or the training, please contact Africa Avalos at africa.dorame-avalos@itcaonline.com.

AIEA 2022-2023 Student Scholarship

Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Indian Education Association (AIEA) Scholarship Committee has announced the deadline submission date for the 2022-2023 AIEA Student Scholarship Application has been EXTENDED. The extended deadline to submit completed scholarship applications is 11:59 pm on August 26, 2022 by e-mail to AIEA.est2003@gmail.com.

The scholarship will recognize American Indian students who demonstrate exemplary achievement in academics, community service, leadership, and who consistently participate in cultural activities. The goal of this scholarship is to promote, encourage, and support students as they develop into scholars and prepare to engage in important careers as adults. The scholarship is open to American Indian students residing in and attending a school, or community college/university in Arizona.
Scholarship categories include:

Middle School

7th Generation Scholarship – Students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and excel in many areas including academics, extracurricular activities, or involvement in the community for the benefit of American Indian students and/or American Indian people.

High School

Academics – Students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and doing very well in school,
Exemplary – Students who excel in many areas including academics, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the American Indian community, and
Make a Difference – Students who may not excel in academics, but excel in other areas including extracurricular activities, artistic abilities, or involvement in the community for the benefit of American Indian students and/or American Indian people.

College

Academics – Students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and doing very well in school,
Exemplary – Students who excel in many areas including academics, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the American Indian community, and
Make a Difference – Students who may not excel in academics, but excel in other areas including extracurricular activities, artistic abilities, or involvement in the community for the benefit of American Indian students and/or American Indian people.

AIEA Scholarship Press Release

AIEA Scholarship Application

AIEA Student Scholarship FAQ’s

You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Arizona Indian Education Association’s Student Scholarships below.

Where and how do I apply?

Answer:

Download the Scholarship application and evaluate the three scholarship categories
Complete the scholarship application
Gather all of the scholarship application materials and send them to AIEA by EMAIL to: AIEA.est2003@gmail.com
Or you can MAIL your application to: AIEA Scholarship, 2214 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

What are the scholarship categories?

Middle School

7th Generation Academic – Students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and excel in many areas including academics, extracurricular activities, or involvement in the community for the benefit of American Indian students and/or American Indian people

High School & College/Graduate

Academics – Students with a GPA of 2.0 or above and doing very well in school
Exemplary – Students who excel in many areas including academics, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the American Indian community
Make a Difference – Students who may not excel in academics, but excel in other areas including extracurricular activities, artistic abilities, or involvement in the community for the benefit of American Indian students and/or American Indian people

How many scholarships are awarded?

Answer: There are 7 total scholarships awarded each cycle. One scholarship per scholarship category per school grade group as follows:

Middle School/Junior High: 7th Generation Academic
High School: Academics, Exemplary, and Make a Difference
College/University: Academics, Exemplary, and Make a Difference

When are applications open?

Answer: AIEA strives to continually release the scholarship application in a timely manner as to release funds by the start of the Fall semester. For updates of our annual scholarship, please visit the AIEA webpage (https://bit.ly/aieaweb) in the Spring.

When will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship?

Answer: AIEA will notify award winners via email and letter by the notification date listed on the scholarship application.

What is required for complete applications?

Answer: The following are the needed materials that make up a complete application:

Completed application form

Please check ONE award

Copy of tribal enrollment card/CIB from a federally-recognized Indian Nation
Two letters of recommendation

Letters must be from a teacher/professor, counselor/advisor, mentor, church leader, or community leader. Recommendations are encouraged to include cultural aspects and highlights of the student.

Copy of your current school transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable

INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN: Incoming high school freshmen are to provide Middle School/Junior High transcripts.
INCOMING COLLEGE FRESHMEN: Incoming college freshman to college and/or university are to provide High School transcripts.

Typed double-spaced essay (2 pages, 12 point font) referring to the designated theme listed on the application

Please follow the essay directions as listed on the application.

Curriculum vitae or resume

Please include information regarding your education and career objective, awards received, student government or leadership positions, extracurricular activities (i.e. clubs, sports, community organizations, etc.), job experience, and job experience.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ONLY: Copy of enrollment verification from college/university office

Can I submit “recycled” or “old” Letters of Recommendation?

Answer: No, AIEA does not accept recycled letters of recommendations that were addressed to other organizations. Also, AIEA does not accept old letters of recommendations. Letters must be dated for this year and addressed to AIEA.

Can I have my Letter of Recommendation sent by my recommender?

Answer: Yes, but it is the student’s responsibility to check with the Recommender that he or she submit the letter before the deadline.

What should I include in my essay?

Answer: To write an excellent essay, be sure to address the designated theme listed on the application. This is to have students write their essay in apersonalized manner of what the theme means to themselves. The theme changes each year.

Can I submit a “recycled” or “old” scholarship essay?

Answer: No, AIEA does not accept recycled student essays that were addressed to other organizations. Also, AIEA does not accept old student essays. Essays must address AIEA and must address the theme listed on the application.

Can I apply even if I am attending an out-of-state school?

Answer: No, AIEA does not accept applications from students that are attending or will be attending a school or college/university outside the state of Arizona. This scholarship is intended for students currently living in Arizona who are attending or will be attending an Arizona school or college/university.

Can I apply even if I am a member of an Arizona-federally recognized tribe that is attending an out-of-state school/college?

Answer: No. This scholarship is intended for students currently living in Arizona who are attending or will be attending an Arizona school or college/university.

Does my transcript(s) have to be official?

Answer: No, a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) is acceptable.

Do the College scholarships fund certificate programs, vocational, or trade school?

Answer: No. The College scholarships only fund degree-seeking students who currently reside in Arizona AND are attending an Arizona school or college/university.

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

Answer: The scholarship can cover any expense of the awarded student’s choosing.

If awarded, how will I receive my scholarship?

Answer: Awarded students will receive their scholarship award through the mail as a check payable to the student name listed on the application. Awarded students will be notified by AIEA through email regarding their check.

Other Helpful Tips

Please view all related webinar videos regarding essay, resume, and recommendation letter writing on the AIEA YouTube Channel at https://bit.ly/AIEAchannel. There are many great resources and tips found in these videos that can assist with the scholarship writing process.
Contacting the Arizona Indian Education Association to confirm we have received your scholarship application materials is completely acceptable and encouraged to ensure your
scholarship application is complete.
Be sure to select one award on the application and include named award in your essay.
Typed double-spaced essay (2 pages, 12 point font) referring to the designated theme listed on the application.

Follow the instructions and answer the prompt
Use professional language (no text language or abbreviations)
Make sure to check spelling and grammar before submitting
Have a teacher, professor, or writing tutor read over your essay for quality, organization, and readability

Submitting your application

For the fastest way to submit your application, please email the completed application to AIEA.est2003@gmail.com

Have more questions about the AIEA Student Scholarship?

Please email Esther Nystrom at bitterwateraz@gmail.com.

For more information about the AIEA Student Scholarship Application, please contact Esther Nystrom at bitterwateraz@gmail.com.

Native Education For All Scholarship Essay Contest

Summary and Purpose

The Native Education For All project is provided by a partnership of Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. and National Indian Education Association. The project is developing strategies to ensure quality Native Education is being delivered in the educational system of Public/Charter Schools in Arizona. The Native Education For All scholarship essay contest aims to increase the knowledge of Native American History for the graduating high school class of 2022 as they pursue higher education.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Must be residing and living in state of Arizona
Must have graduated from an Arizona public/charter high school in spring 2022
Incoming/first-year students attending a community/tribal college, college/university or vocational/technical school in the state of Arizona for Fall 2022-2023 Academic Year

Support

Financial support will be provided for Fall 2022 for three (3) students to receive a one-time award of $2,000.

Application Required Documents

Scholarship Application (form)

Complete the “Native Words, Native Warriors” lesson plan and respond to essay questions
Submit a photo and a brief bio written in the third person (no more than 5 sentences)
Proof of Fall 2022 enrollment (Enrollment verification or class schedule accepted)

Submission

Application must be emailed by Friday, July 29, 2022 to Ms. Monique Tsosie at Monique.Tsosie@itcaonline.com with subject line: NEFA Essay Contest 2022

Deadline

Applications must be completed and received by Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:59 PM (MST).

Notification of award will be sent no later than Friday, August 19, 2021.

The Frank Harrison and Harry Austin Voting Rights Scholarship Essay Contest – 2022

The Frank Harrison and Harry Austin Voting Rights Essay Contest serves to recognize American Indian youth who are determined to uplift the voices of their peers and community members by participating in civic engagement efforts. On July 15, 1948, a court decision by the Supreme Court of Arizona granted American Indians the right to vote due to the commitment of Frank Harrison and Harry Austin. Today, we celebrate their achievements by participating to local and federal elections. In Arizona, Tribal communities were amongst those who showed up to the polls in record numbers during the 2020 General Election.

Your vote does not stop after Election Day. It is a new beginning towards the future of your community. The legislature continues to meet on issues that directly impact our family and friends. As citizens it is our duty to follow our vote and ensure local and federal officials are acting on the issues that are most important to you. Please answer the prompts listed below to show how you will honor the legacy of Frank Harrison and Harry Austin by remaining civically engaged in your community during this off-election year.

Scholarship Application

CLICK HERE for the Scholarship Application.

Applications are due June 24th, 2022

Native Vote Social Media Influencer Tournament

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona presents the Native Vote Social Media Influencer Tournament.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH, 2022!

16 American Indian college students will be selected to compete in a social media tournament. Each selected applicant will receive $200 and trainings for Native Vote outreach and social media, including the process of creating a social media plan. Each participant will be required to develop a social media plan to support them while they are in the tournament. A panel of judges will score each social media influencer’s content based on accuracy, originality, cultural relevancy, and breadth. The tournament will run from April, 2022 through July, 2022 and the champion will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

For questions, contact cassandra.robinson@itcaonline.com.

To apply*, visit: https://forms.gle/vb9eDkn6EeWqH8Ut7

*By applying, you are ensuring that you can commit to the tournament in its entirety.