National Suicide Prevention Week is a time to educate and remove the stigma around discussion of suicide. If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find help through these helplines.
The Financial Aid Division has the following programs to serve Tribal members; Transition Services (previously known as Developmental Disabilities), Private School Assistance, Scholarship, Workshops & Training and the new Internship Program. We are here to assist students with their educational costs and provide support services to ensure student success while attending colleges/universities to pursue their careers and earn their diplomas, certificates and/or degrees.
Denise Bill, Exec. Dir. of Adult & Higher Education: (253) 876-3345
Marie Marquez, Financial Aid Director: (253) 876-3382
Sahara Singh, Financial Aid Director Trainee: (253) 876-3013
Amy Castaneda, Financial Aid Manager: (253) 294-8032
Jocelyn Patterson, College and Career Advisor: (253) 876-3305
Kelsey Elmore, College and Career Advisor: (253) 876-3210
Fabian Mendoza, College and Career Advisor: (253) 294-8257
Lydia Adira, College and Career Advisor: (253) 294-8258
Danielle Wilcox, Finance Specialist: (253) 294-8002
Anita Jimenez, Finance Specialist: (253) 876-3378
Loretta Sohappy, Finance Specialist: (253) 876-2830
Cheri Wilbur, Finance Specialist: (253) 294-8247
Dena Starr, Workshops & Training Manager: (253) 876-3147
Laurie Starr-Williams, W&T Administrative Specialist III: (253) 876-3381
(Vacant) Internship Coordinator: (253) 294-8125
Services provided by the Financial Aid & Scholarship Division include:
Through the Higher Education Scholarship program, Tribal members pursuing higher education degrees can receive funding for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, personal living expenses, and travel.
If you have questions regarding the Higher Education Scholarship, please contact Amy Castaneda at the Scholarship Program at (253) 294-8032 or ScholarshipsDept@Muckleshoot.nsn.us.
Please note: You are required to present your Tribal/ State ID in order to pick up a Scholarship check. Applications, paperwork, funding, etc. take 10 BUSINESS DAYS to process!
(Opens at 9am & Closes at Noon)
If you have any difficulty meeting a deadline or if your school’s calendar does not align with these deadlines, please email ScholarshipsDept@muckleshoot.nsn.us to arrange a time to apply.
All New and Continuing degree students will use the Online Portal to submit applications every Semester/Quarter/Term.
Here is a how to guide on setting up your portal account. If you need assistance resetting an account contact ScholarshipsDept@Muckleshoot.nsn.us
Please note: You will need to submit your online application 1 month prior to the start date of the quarter/semester for which you are applying to receive financial aid.
The Higher Education Scholarship Application is now online at memberportal.muckleshoot.nsn.us.
Please note: Completed applications take 10 business days to process.
Only complete the top half of this form and upload it. Bring the original to your school’s Financial Aid Office to complete this form. The Scholarship Program will also contact your school’s Financial Aid Office about the form. Your application will not go to the Education Committee until your school completes your Financial Needs Analysis.
The new Scholarship Policies require each student to attend Scholarship Orientation once per academic year before receiving funding.
A variety of Vocational and Non-Vocational Certifications are funded by Muckleshoot Scholarship. This may include tuition, books, and living expenses. To find out if a certification program you are interested in is covered by Muckleshoot Scholarship call us, email us, or drop by our offices.
Tribal members who wish to study for and receive a General Education Diploma (GED) may receive financial support from the Scholarship Program. Tribal members who are enrolled in a GED certification program may receive support until they receive their GED.
To learn more about support for GED work, please contact the Scholarship Program at (253) 876-3378 or ScholarshipsDept@Muckleshoot.nsn.us.
Please note: You are required to present your Tribal/ State ID in order to pick up a funding check. Applications, paperwork, funding, etc. take 10 BUSINESS DAYS to process!
The Workshops & Training Program funds enrolled Tribal members to attend workshops, conferences, or trainings outside of the Reservation for personal and educational improvement and growth.
Tribal members who wish to attend training sessions or workshops can apply for up to $1,800 once every 2 years (January 1-December 31). Workshop funds registration fees, airfare and other transportation expenses, hotel, and per diem.
Please note: You are required to present your Tribal/ State ID in order to pick up a funding check. All applications must be submitted no sooner than 45 days and no later than 30 days prior to the workshop, training, or conference that you plan to attend. Applications, paperwork, funding, etc. take 10 BUSINESS DAYS to process!
For questions or for assistance with an application, contact Laurie Starr-Williams at (253) 876-3381, Laurie.Williams@Muckleshoot.nsn.us or Workshops&Training@Muckleshoot.nsn.us .
All Tribal members should have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals regardless of disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities program provides assistance to Muckleshoot Tribal members with disabilities that impact their life activities and educational progress.
In the past, the Developmental Disabilities program funded:
Please note: You are required to present your Tribal/ State ID in order to pick up a funding check. Applications, paperwork, funding, etc. take 10 BUSINESS DAYS to process!
For any questions or to obtain an application, please contact the Scholarship Program at (253) 876-3378 or ScholarshipsDept@Muckleshoot.nsn.us .
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe believes that each early learner and school age Muckleshoot Tribal Member should have the opportunity and support from the Tribe to achieve his or her educational goals. The Tribe views education as an important step in a Muckleshoot Tribal Member’s life and the option to invest in private school education will not only benefit the individual tribal member but also the future of the tribal community.
The Private School Assistance Program, PSAP is for 18 months to 12th grade enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal Members.
It’s that time of year again! Many schools will be renewing 2023-2024 private school applications very soon. Please note, we also need an acceptance letter or a re-enrollment document from the school that notes your child’s grade on it in order for the application to be complete. We cannot process any deposits, fees, etc. until we have a complete application on file.
Applications must be submitted no less than 45 days prior to private school deadline for every academic school year.
Please email ScholarshipsDept@Muckleshoot.nsn.us to apply.
Executive Director of Adult & Higher Education: Denise Bill, Ed.D
Scholarship Building
38977 172nd Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092
Muckleshoot Tribal College
39811 Auburn Enumclaw Rd SE
Auburn, WA 98092
The mission of the Muckleshoot Department of Education is to provide a seamless educational pathway from birth through higher education in which the culture, history and language of the Muckleshoot people is integrated into every aspect and level of the education system.
The Scholarship Program administers scholarship and assistance programs that make education funds available to enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal members. The Tribe views Scholarship funding as an investment in both individuals and in the continued sovereignty of the community.
Our vision is that every Muckleshoot child has access to high-quality, early learning experiences. We strive to create an early childhood education program that effectively serves all children and supports children’s growth, development, and educational advancement.
The Early Learning Academy program delivers services for children and their families in the core areas of early learning, health, nutrition, safety and family well-being while engaging parents as the first educators for their children every step of the way.
Official Tribal Member Portal for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
