Cherokee Nation Creates Online Scholarship Presence

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Online Scholarship Resource

Native Brief: TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee students in search of scholarships for the spring semester now have a little help. The Cherokee Nation College Resource Center is an online resource, offering students access to a wide variety of scholarships by creating a single online profile.

“We all benefit when someone is provided the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams,”

said Gregg Simmons, manager of the College Resource Center.

"By bringing all of our scholarships together through this program, we make finding opportunities easier and thus encourage the continuing education of our young Cherokee people."

The website lists all available scholarships from the Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Nation Businesses and the Cherokee Nation Foundation. Students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as possible, as each entity offers unique opportunities for students pursuing their educational ventures.

Cherokee Nation Businesses will introduce a scholarship aimed at university juniors and seniors studying engineering, finance, corporate law or mass communications. This scholarship covers costs that are not met by other funding sources and can be used for housing, tuition or books. Upon acceptance, students selected for this program will be asked to work for Cherokee Nation Businesses for a minimum of two years following their graduation.

“We cannot put a price tag on educating our youth,”

said Bob Schooley, director of organizational effectiveness at Cherokee Nation Businesses.

"The Cherokee Nation has always been a leader in education, and we will continue to put our best resources to work for our children, their educations and the future of the Cherokee Nation."

Another tertiary scholarship will be offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation. This scholarship is specific to Oklahoma State University. The foundation will also launch the Farrington Book Endowment, aimed at students who demonstrate a propensity for public service to the Cherokee people.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of Cherokee values,”

said Kimberlie Gilliland, executive director of the Cherokee Nation Foundation.

"Our mission is to provide higher educational assistance to Cherokee citizens, especially to those with eagerness to contribute back to our people and demonstrate the values that define our culture."

Once a student creates a profile, they have instant access to a one stop shop for all Cherokee scholarships spanning their university career. Students with existing profiles will also receive notices reminding them about upcoming scholarship opportunities and deadlines. Applications for scholarships funded by Cherokee Nation Businesses and the Cherokee Nation Foundation will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2012. Applications will continue to be accepted for additional opportunities.

Scholarship opportunities from third party sources, including the American Indian College Fund, Coca-Cola and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will also be listed on the site. Students can create their profile by visiting the Foundation's website at CherokeeNationFoundation.org or by visiting CherokeeNation.AcademicWorks.com

posted December 28, 2011 6:00 am est