"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Youth Participate In Saving Program

"Pictured are: Dena Squyres, Miranda Witte, Casey Bolin and Lawrence Scraper. Several students at Sequoyah Schools are investing in their future by participating in the Saving for Education Entrepreneurship and Down-payment (SEED) Program. At this time, the Cherokee Nation is the only Native American tribe participating in the program, and sponsors one of only 12 programs throughout the USA."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation is investing in the futures of Cherokee youth through its participation in the Saving for Education Entrepreneurship and Down-payment (SEED) Program.

“The SEED Program helps to empower our Cherokee youth by helping them build resources,” said Gina Martinez, SEED Coordinator. “I am proud to say that the Cherokee Nation SEED program is the only Native American SEED program and one of only 12 in the United States and Puerto Rico.”

SEED accounts are asset-building accounts that were established for 75 area youth in 2005. The accounts were seeded with an initial deposit of $500 and built over time by contributions from family, friends and the participants themselves. The savings are restricted for financing higher education and for starting a small business. The program is geared toward teaching participants the importance and value of saving for the future.

The SEED participants at Sequoyah High School have learned more than just the basics of finance. They have started their own business, called “Rising Spirits.” The company is geared toward marketing products relative to the successful athletic teams associated with SHS.

“We sell fan gear, which was a business idea we came up with over the summer. It seemed like the best way to go since Sequoyah has such a large fan base,” said Miranda Witte, SEED participant and President of Rising Spirits. “I have learned so much about operating a business and the work involved to make a company successful. Participating in the SEED program and taking part in this business has been an eye-opening experience for me. Even when we have failed, I have learned something. My savings will help me fund my college education, but I’m fairly certain I will not go into business.”

Studies have shown that possessing even a few thousand dollars in assets gives people an economic foundation to stand on. The Cherokee youth participating in the SEED program hold assets that help to connect them to the economy, creates a sense of ambition, instills a level of expectation and helps them to shape their futures.

“I am so proud of our SEED participants,” said Martinez. “It is an honor to take part in a pilot program that strives to open the door to our children’s futures. Watching these young people grow in their knowledge of business and finance has been truly enjoyable. We have all learned a great deal.”