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Desired Outcomes
The purpose of the Cherokee Nation Higher Education Program includes accomplishing three desired outcomes: 1) strengthen the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation; 2) increase the capacity of its citizens; and 3) promote the language and culture of the Cherokee Nation. The scholarship selection process is designed to achieve these outcomes. Future scholarship applications may provide a preference for students who have demonstrated accomplishments relating to the desired outcomes.
Scholarship Funding ($500.00-$1000.00)
$1,000.00 per semester scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours per semester and $500 per semester scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in three (3) credit hours per semester. This scholarship is competitive and awarded based on eligibility criteria and preferences.
Self Help Component
Recipients are required to volunteer one-hour service to the tribe (Cherokee Nation) or any Non-Profit Organization for every $100 they receive in scholarship funding. (Example: $1,000 per semester = 10 community service hours). Official written verification will be required before semester disbursement.
Student Eligibility Criteria
Students must be accepted to an accredited graduate school awarding Masters and Doctoral degrees to seek scholarship funding. Students who are seeking a parallel or second Masters or Doctoral degree are not eligible.
Students receiving the following scholarships are not eligible for the Cherokee Nation Scholarships:
- Indian Health Services (IHS) Scholarship
- Assistance from other tribe(s)
- Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation or Employee Reimbursement Program
Application Process
Students must submit all documents listed on the application checklist. All documents must be hand delivered to the Higher Education office or mailed, postmarked on or before JUNE 13, 2008 .
Notification of Receipt of Complete Applications
Students will be notified in writing when the Higher Education Office receives a complete application. This application does not create a contract, commitment or entitlement from the Cherokee Nation. Scholarships awarded are subject to the availability of funds. Any and all verbal information provided by the Higher Education or Education Office is not official. There are no assurances that a student has a complete application in the Higher Education office awaiting consideration for funding until the student receives official written notification from the Higher Education Office.
Notification of Scholarship Selection
Students will be notified in writing by August 1, 2008 of scholarship selection or denial. Any and all verbal information provided by the Higher Education or Education Office is not official . There are no assurances that a student has been selected to receive the scholarship until the student receives official written notification from the Higher Education Office.
Selection Process
First Preference - Continuing Students
Students funded by the Cherokee Nation Graduate Scholarship program for Fall 2007 and Spring 2008.
Second Preference – Residence
Students, whose permanent residency is within the Cherokee Nation area, which is defined as those counties within and contiguous to the Cherokee Nation boundaries. Funding is not available to students living outside these areas .
Third Preference - Academic Performance
Academic performance will be determined by the cumulative undergraduate grade point average at time of undergraduate graduation.
Fourth Preference – Waiting List
Students not selected for scholarship funding will be placed on a waiting list. Students on the waiting list may be selected for scholarships as additional funding becomes available.
District Information
District 1 – Cherokee County
District 2 – Adair County
District 3 – Sequoyah County
District 4 – Parts of Muskogee , Wagoner and McIntosh Counties
District 5 – Delaware County and parts of Ottawa County
District 6 – Mayes County
District 7 – Rogers County
District 8 – Washington County and parts of Tulsa County
District 9 – Nowata and Craig Counties
District C – Oklahoma : Haskell, LeFlore, Osage and Pittsburg Counties
Arkansas : Benton , Crawford and Washington Counties
Kansas : Cherokee, LaBette and Montgomery Counties
Missouri : McDonald County
Late applications will not be accepted and applications postmarked after June 13, 2008 will be returned to the student without consideration for scholarship funding .
Important Numbers:
Cherokee Nation Registration (918) 453-5575 To obtain Tribal Citizenship and CDIB
Cherokee Nation Housing Authority (918) 456-5482 To inquire for Housing Assistance
Miscellaneous Information
Please keep name and address changes current with the Higher Education office. Correspondence is mailed to students at various stages throughout processing. Our office cannot be responsible for mail returned due to changes in address.
If you have questions or need assistance completing the Cherokee Nation Graduate Scholarship Application please contact our office: (918) 453-5465 or 1 (800) 256-0671 option 5.
Please have all documents postmarked or hand delivered on or before
JUNE 13, 2008
CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT IS ENCOURAGED
HIGHER EDUCATION NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR RETURNED MAIL
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