Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation mailed award letters to 945 Cherokee students who will be receiving $2000 higher education scholarships for the coming academic year. The Cherokee Nation will fund more than $2 million worth of higher education scholarships during the 2002-2003 school year.

"We know that by investing in our children, we are investing in the future of the Cherokee Nation," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief. "We are training tomorrow's leaders."

More than 1,000 students applied for scholarships under the Cherokee Nation non-Pell scholarship program, though only 945 could be funded. "The demand for college funding continues to outweigh the supply of scholarship money," said Dale Miller, director of Cherokee Nation's Higher Education program.

Students who receive the scholarships get $1000 per semester for up to eight semesters, and continuing students are funded first.

In addition to the non-Pell scholarships, the Cherokee Nation also funds a program for Pell-eligible students, funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Students receiving the Pell-eligible scholarship also receive the federal Pell grant, which is given to students based on financial need. All Pell-eligible students will receive a scholarship from the Cherokee Nation.

"The BIA money comes with very specific eligibility guidelines and scholarships are awarded based on the number of applicants, their eligibility for the Pell grant and the expected family contribution," said Dusty Delso, executive director of Education for the Cherokee Nation. "Awarding the Cherokee Nation funded scholarships is a little more complicated."

Funding for those non-Pell scholarships is limited and the established selection criterion includes student grade classification, geographic location of permanent residence, record of academic performance and level of need.

481 students continued in the non-Pell program this year, allowing for funding of 464 of the 550 new applicants. The remaining applicants are on a waiting list and could still receive funding this year.