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Education Services TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Most college students can use a little help when it comes to paying for school. The Cherokee Nation administers a scholarship program that provides funding to eligible Cherokee Nation citizens who are obtaining degrees at an accredited college or university, making school a bit easier on the pocketbook. However, administrators warn that the deadline is fast approaching and students should not procrastinate. The tribe’s scholarship program, administered by Cherokee Nation Higher Education, can help qualified tribal citizens follow their dreams of a college degree. Funding is available for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Last year the program awarded more than $5 million in scholarships. The deadline for new or continuing students to apply for this year’s scholarships is June 12. “Applying for scholarships takes a little work, but it’s all worth it when you don’t have to worry as much about how you’re going to pay for college,” said Jan Grogan, manager of Cherokee Nation Higher Education. More than 2,000 scholarship recipients are funded each year. The maximum amount for a scholarship can be up to $1,000 per semester for eight semesters, depending on the number of hours a student carries and whether they are in graduate or undergraduate studies. Students must be enrolled at least half time, must be a citizen of Cherokee Nation and students who are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant must have a permanent residence within Cherokee Nation boundaries or contiguous counties, including contiguous counties in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to be eligible for funding. Undergraduate students must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid before they can apply forthe Cherokee Nation scholarship. Other guidelines may apply. Scholarship recipients are required to volunteer one hour of community service for Cherokee Nation or a non-profit organization for every $100 they receive in scholarship funding. If a recipient needs help in choosing a non-profit organization the department of Higher Education can provide a list of resources. Applications for the scholarships are available in the office of Higher Education located at the Cherokee Nation tribal complex in Tahlequah or on the CNO web site. Applications must be postmarked by the June 12 deadline in order to be considered. For additional information please call 918-453-5465 or 918-207-3948.

Related Cherokee Nation 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