Cherokee Nation Focuses in on Importance of STEM by Giving Scholarships

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Cherokee Scholars

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation Foundation, in partnership with Cherokee Nation Businesses, has selected 28 students to pioneer a new program focusing on the importance of an education in, STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Selected students represent 12 of the Cherokee Nation's 14 counties and are eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarship funding.

The program is designed for long-term enrollment beginning in the seventh grade and continuing to high school graduation. These particular recipients are high school sophomores and juniors, chosen to kick start the program's online presence and raise awareness about the upcoming College Prep Institute.

“We want to prepare our young people for success to the best of our ability,”

said Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

“They are the future of the Cherokee Nation and we cannot let financial hardships handicap their educational opportunities.”

Students enrolled in the program are required to fulfill numerous core curriculum requirements. Each semester beginning their freshman year of high school, students are awarded a $500 contribution to their college fund, with the potential to earn up to $4,000. These funds are managed by representatives at the foundation who also assist students in college research, applications, essays and ACT prep work. Students are also given preferred enrollment in the Cherokee College Prep Institute hosted at Sequoyah High School, June 17-22.

"Our students' success is a direct reflection of the work we do every day," said Kimberlie Gilliland, executive director, Cherokee Nation Foundation.

"Each scholarship is an opportunity to positively influence the lives of our students, their families and the future of the Cherokee Nation."

The program accepts new scholars on a yearly basis. Parents interested in enrolling their child as a Cherokee scholar are encouraged to visit www.CherokeeNationFoundation.org.

Applications will be accepted March 1-31.

Eligible students must be a Cherokee citizen, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and entering seventh, eighth or ninth grade.

Cherokee Nation Scholars

Adair County

Drew Kimble, Stilwell High School

Cherokee County

Jessica Hembree, Tahlequah High School

Kaden Sourjohn, Sequoyah High School

Delaware County

Kelsy Byrd, Ketchum High School

Mayes County

Breeanna Broadway, Ketchum High School

Bobby Long, Ketchum High School

Jeylyn Sharpe, Ketchum High School

Corey Soap, Pryor High School

Muskogee County

Nathan Tatum, Warner High School

Rogers County

Hope Havenstrite, Claremore High School

Tyler Hudson, Oologah High School

Matthew Webber, Claremore High School

Trevor Kaase, Claremore High School

Alyssa Hostler, Claremore High School

Hunter Garroutte, Claremore High School

Mallory Martindale, Catoosa High School

Gage Meisinger, Claremore High School

Sequoyah County

Cole McCrary, Muldrow High School

Brett Howard, Muldrow High School

Cynthia Bedford, Muldrow High School

Dawson Floyd, Muldrow High School

Wagoner County

Mallory Cole, Catoosa High School

Charlotte Dawson, Catoosa High School

Micah Metcalf, Catoosa High School

Washington County

Heather Carter, Bartlesville High School

Nicholas Gaskill, Bartlesville High School

Meagan Morrow, Bartlesville High School

Cody Garrett, Bartlesville High School

posted January 13, 2011 11:20 am est