Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee citizens interested in careers that are in high demand such as welding, nursing, or graphic design, can now apply for grants to help with training through the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee Nation is now accepting applications for tuition grant money from citizens who are interested in obtaining technical or vocational career training in many fields.

"Various short-term training and certifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis," said Wauneta Sanders, manager of vocational programs for the Cherokee Nation. "Students can be in nursing programs, medical certification programs, any kind of vocational training will be considered."

To apply, applicants must be Cherokee Nation citizens who are ineligible to receive a Pell grant, a resident of the Cherokee Nation and enrolled in a vocational training program or associate of applied sciences/arts program.

"This grant helps a lot of people who may not be served by another (Cherokee Nation) program," Sanders said.

Grant amounts are determined based on the cost of training, program priorities and availability of funds. Many career fields will be considered and is not limited to the ones listed above.

"We also have to look at the demand of that career field," Sanders said. "Phlebotomy, CNA (Certified Nurse Aid), CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), welding, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), and business computer are popular ones."

Applications for the Career Tech Grant are now available at the Cherokee Nation Complex in Tahlequah and at the following Cherokee Nation offices:

Catoosa / Pryor office, phone: 918-266-5626
Jay office, phone: 918-253-3243
Sallisaw office, phone: 918-776-0416
Stilwell office, phone: 918-696-3124
Vinita office, phone: 918-256-8595

For more information contact your local Cherokee Nation field office or call 800-256-0671 (ext.2333). Funding is limited and applicants will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org