03/18/2026
Corning, California- March 18, 2026– Through the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, the philanthropic arm of the Tribe, the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, is proud to announce the release and expansion of several scholarships in Spring 2026.
This expansion significantly broadens the scholarship program’s scale and reach, driving impact at the national level, strengthening the regional efforts, and benefiting the local community. Together, these scholarship opportunities reflect the Tribe’s enduring commitment to education, community investment, tribal sovereignty, and the cultivation of future leaders.
The scholarship opportunities are designed to address gaps and support innovation and growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and healthcare, benefiting students pursuing these fields and other careers. Brandin Paya, expressing his support of the expansion, shares: “Nurturing opportunity has been at the heart of the scholarship program. This is an investment that we hope will make a meaningful impact and contribute to the strength and vitality of the economy locally and nationally.”
The Paskenta STEM Scholarship, supported in partnership with Tepa Companies, is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes and encourages students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to making an impact in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. The vision that drove this investment is to encourage innovation and contribute to societal progress. This year, three one-time scholarships of $20,000 will be awarded to students who are dedicated to advancing STEM fields.
The Paskenta Tehama Medical Scholarship is a newly established scholarship designed to strengthen the future of healthcare in Tehama County. The Tribe, recognizing the community’s need for more healthcare professionals, is addressing the gap by partnering with Rolling Hills Clinic to financially support two Tehama County Class of 2026 graduates passionate about pursuing a career in the medical or healthcare field. The Tehama County high school (CA) graduates will have the opportunity to receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship to support their educational journey. Given the award’s emphasis on strengthening regional communities, prospective applicants should demonstrate a clear intention to return to the region and contribute to its long-term vitality.
Given its close proximity to the Corning Union High School District (CUHSD) and its commitment to advancing the long-term prosperity of the local community, the Tribe is expanding opportunities for local youth to pursue higher education while strengthening the regional economy through enrollment at nearby post-secondary institutions. The scholarship, Paskenta CUHSD Scholarship, is open to degree-seeking, full-time students planning to attend Butte College, California State University–Chico, Shasta College, or Simpson University. A $5,000 award will be granted to a CUHSD Class of 2026 graduate who demonstrates academic potential and financial need. This award helps offset education-related expenses, enabling students to focus more fully on their academic and career goals.
Together, these scholarships demonstrate the Tribe’s dedication to nurturing opportunity at every level and affirm its commitment to supporting growth, community well-being, and the development of leaders who will carry these values forward.
Another opportunity taking shape is a Paskenta Employee-Dependent Scholarship program that the Tribe will roll out this year. Under this new scholarship program, the Tribe will invest in the educational growth of its employees’ families, reinforcing the belief that pursuing learning opportunities strengthens individuals, enriches families and communities, and fuels long-term success for all.
Each scholarship covers eligible expenses up to a maximum amount and is a one-time scholarship. To learn more about each of the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and application deadline, visit the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation website at https://paskentanomlaki.smapply.us/
