Tribal Services

NEC Tribal Services works to ensure that tribal members have essential needs met and are trained, job-ready and qualified for employment. We provide a broad spectrum of services and opportunities to achieve this goal. Please note that NEC can provide assistance to enrolled NEC Tribal Members or other tribal members of a federally recognized tribe who reside in Nome, AK. If your tribe is served by Kawerak, Inc., please seek assistance from Kawerak’s Welfare Assistance Programs. 

GENERAL (WELFARE) ASSISTANCE: Families sometimes fall into hard times and need financial help. NEC’s general assistance program provides temporary financial assistance to meet essential basic needs (food, shelter, clothing) and is income-based. Eligible applicants must reside in the vicinity of Nome.

• General Assistance Application

DIRECT EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE is available to low-income based eligible applicants who need financial assistance for work attire, personal hygiene products, or transitional needs to secure and/or retain employment. Eligible applicants must reside in the vicinity of Nome.

• Direct Employment Assistance Application

BURIAL ASSISTANCE: Losing a family member can be a stressful time for the family and their community. NEC’s burial assistance program is available for Nome residents, is income-based and provides financial assistance up to $3,500 for funeral expenses when other financial resources are unavailable. Applicants must apply for the State of Alaska burial assistance prior to applying for our program.

• Burial Assistance Application

CONDOLENCE PROGRAM: Nome Eskimo Community provides up to $150 to the immediate family of a deceased tribal member for funeral costs they may incur. All of our membership can participate in this program regardless of residency and income.

• Condolence Program Application

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE is available to eligible applicants who need help with food, shelter, or clothing after a flood, or burn out up to $1,500. This program is income-based and a last resort assistance program. Applicants must call the Red Cross of Alaska at 1-800-451-8267 prior to applying with NEC.

• Emergency Assistance Application

VOCATIONAL TRAINING financial assistance is available for eligible applicants who pursue the job skills necessary to get or keep a job. This program is available to all NEC Members. Please use the contact form to request more information or to submit a scholarship application.

HIGHER EDUCATION provides scholarship funds to NEC members who pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program. Master’s degree awards are based on the availability of funds. This program is available for all NEC members. Please use the contact form to request more information or to submit a scholarship application.

You can apply for a scholarship using MyCache or submit an application.  Please contact Kristy Koelsch at 907-443-2246 if you have any questions.

NEC HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES: