CNEC scholarships deadline nears

By Christina Good Voice
Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation Education Corporation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2009-10 school year, and the March 20 postmark deadline is drawing near.

In 2008, the CNEC awarded 25 higher education scholarships to high school graduates and current college or university students.

CNEC scholarships are different than CN higher education scholarships in that the CNEC scholarships are supported by donations, while scholarships from the CN Higher Education Department are funded via tribal funds and are restricted to students residing in the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction.

The CNEC is a non-profit corporation chartered by the CN and is classified as a 501(c)3, which means donations or contributions made to the corporation are tax-deductible.

CNEC aims to promote educational opportunities for tribal citizens and to revitalize the language, culture and history of Cherokee people, Dr. Shelley Butler-Allen, CNEC secretary/treasurer, said.

The scholarships are offered to Cherokee students attending undergraduate or graduate programs in colleges or universities throughout the United States.

Awards are based on criteria that include grade point average and ACT score, financial need, cultural and community activities, personal academic goals and future commitment to work with Cherokee people.

“This year we’re really pleased to offer scholarships to students outside the 14-county jurisdiction through our At-Large Tribal Council scholarships,” Butler-Allen said.

For the 2008-09 academic year, the CNEC gave about $34,000 in scholarships for Cherokee students, she said.

“We’re stepping up in 2009-10 and increasing the number of scholarships to 35 to 40.” Butler-Allen said. “Not only will CNEC provide more scholarships to our students, we will be awarding more scholarships to students who reside outside the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction.”

Applications may be downloaded at www.cherokee.org and must be postmarked by March 20. Applicants will be notified in writing by the first week of June. The CNEC requests that students do not call to inquire about the status of their applications.

Applications should be mailed to Cherokee Nation Education Corporation, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948. (918) 453-5420. margaret-raymond@cherokee.org.

2009-2010 Scholarship and Eligibility Criteria

CNEC Mission Award: Available to Cherokee Nation citizens who are full-time students in an undergraduate or graduate college or university in a major field of study for a career that will promote the revitalization of the language, culture and/or history of Cherokee people. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year if a 2.5 grade point average is maintained. Student may re-apply for a second year in a new application.

Harold “Jiggs” Phillips Memorial Award: Available to CN citizens who will be 2009 graduates of an Adair County high school. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year if a 2.0 GPA is maintained. This award may be used for students attending a college or university.

James R. Upton Memorial Award: Available to CN citizens who have permanent residence in Cherokee County and will graduate in 2009 from Sequoyah High School. Scholarship amount is $2,000 per academic year if a 2.0 GPA is maintained. This award may be used for students attending a post-secondary institution.

John Shurr Journalism Award: Available to CN citizens who are currently undergraduate or a graduate students of a higher education institution and accepted in an accredited journalism or mass communications degree program. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per academic year if a 3.0 GPA is maintained. Students must also write an additional essay on journalism career goals, provide two samples of writing (published preferred) and be willing to apply for an eight-week, paid, summer internship with the Cherokee Phoenix. 

Nell D. Brown Memorial Award: Available to CN citizens who have been accepted for graduate study in the field of American history, anthropology or archeology with an emphasis on American Indian or Cherokee studies. May reside either inside or outside the CN jurisdiction. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year if a 3.0 GPA is maintained.

Red Clay Award: Available to CN citizens who will graduate in 2009 from a high school within the CN jurisdiction. Only one student can be recommended by a school district and the school district must mail the complete application and supporting documents for the student. Students must demonstrate high academic performance, leadership ability and active participation in the Johnson-O’Malley Co-Partner Program. One reference letter must come from an official school administrator or the JOM coordinator. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per academic year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained.

Tribal Council Award: Available for CN citizens who will be 2009 high school graduates and who reside outside the CN jurisdiction. Scholarship amount is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per academic year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained.