INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS (IAIA) ANNOUNCES 2021 GEORGE R.R. MARTIN LITERARY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR IAIA CINEMATIC ARTS & TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

SANTA FE, N.M. - April 1, 2021 - George R.R. Martin -- novelist, screenwriter, television producer, and the author of the series of epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire, (which was adapted into the television series Game of Thrones) -- through his Literary Foundation, has funded one $15,000 scholarship and two $5,000 annual scholarships for IAIA students - including one incoming student - for the 2021-22 academic year. These scholarships are available to students who are seeking a BFA at IAIA in Cinematic Arts & Technology and maintain full-time enrollment and at least a 3.0 GPA.

When announcing the initial round of scholarships, Martin shared the fact that he received scholarship support during his time at Northwestern College, and stated without the scholarships, "...I still would have gone to college, but probably not at Northwestern..." He also shared a quote from a writer that influenced him in his youth, Robert A. Heinlin, "You can never pay back the people who helped you when you were starting out, so you have to pay it forward..." This, said Martin, is one of the main drivers of his decision to initiate the scholarships in his name.

Deadline to apply June 1, 2021 - APPLY NOW!!!!

To apply, visit: https://iaia.edu/2021-george-r-r-martin-literary-foundation-scholarships/

The three available scholarships and requirements are:

Master Storyteller Scholarship ($15,000)

• Sophomore status or above

• 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) required

• Enrolled full-time as a Cinematic Arts & Technology major

• Writing sample required; demonstrating passion for storytelling (Short script six-ten pages submitted in industry standard screenplay format.)

• Must provide letter of recommendation and character reference

• Must include short bio

• Not need-based

• Native preference but non-Native students can apply

Newcomer Scholarship ($5,000)

• Incoming freshman or transfer student

• 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA), if non-freshman

• Must be enrolled (or plan on being enrolled) full-time

• Degree-seeking Cinematic Arts & Technology major

• Writing sample required; demonstrating passion for storytelling. (Short story five-six pages or a short script five-ten pages submitted in industry standard screenplay format.)

• Must provide letter of recommendation and character reference

• Must include short bio

• Not need-based

• Native preference but non-Native students can apply

Proven Storyteller Scholarship ($5,000)

• Sophomore status or above

• 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) required

• Enrolled full-time as a Cinematic Arts & Technology major

• Writing sample required; demonstrating passion for storytelling. (Short script six-ten pages submitted in industry standard screenplay format.)

• Must provide letter of recommendation/character reference

• Must include short bio

• Not need-based

• Native preference but non-Native IAIA students can apply

James Lujan (Taos Pueblo) remarked: "We are grateful to George R.R. Martin and his Literary Foundation for supporting IAIA's storytellers of tomorrow. IAIA's Cinematic Arts & Technology program is built on the foundation of meaningful storytelling, and this is a great opportunity for IAIA's most talented screenwriters to be associated with the name of one of the most significant storytellers of the past 20 years."

IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee) commented: "We are deeply appreciative of the partnership that we've had with George that resulted in his supporting our Annual Scholarship Dinner and Auction and providing our students with opportunities for workshops, seminars, internships, employment, and now with the named scholarships in his honor. His investment in our students will make a huge difference in terms of promoting their success."

Offering undergraduate degrees in Studio Arts, Creative Writing, Cinematic Arts and Technology, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, and Performing Arts -- an MFA in Creative Writing and an MFA in Studio Arts -- along with certificates in Broadcast Journalism, Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native American Art History -- IAIA is the only college in the nation dedicated to the study of contemporary Native arts. The school serves approximately 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) Native and non-Native American college students from across the globe. IAIA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.