New scholarship opportunities available for Cherokee students

Cherokee Nation Foundation is now accepting applications for additional scholarship opportunities for the 2024-25 academic year.

The new merit scholarships are funded through recent legislation authored by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, adding nearly $100,000 in financial support for students pursuing higher education.

The Comprehensive Cherokee Nation Education Act of 2024 is focused on identifying and celebrating Cherokee students who exemplify leadership qualities and service to the tribe.

While applications for CNF’s general scholarships closed Jan. 31, the following awards will be offered through Feb. 29: Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship – This award recognizes students who exemplify leadership qualities and an interest and desire to give back to the Cherokee people. Applicant must be a current, full-time student at a two- or four-year higher education institution, or a graduating high school senior accepted to a two- or four-year higher education institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year, $5,000 award not limited by residence.

Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship – This award recognizes students who exemplify leadership qualities and an interest and desire to give back to the Cherokee people. Applicant must be a current, full-time student at a two- or four-year higher education institution, or a graduating high school senior accepted to a two- or four-year higher education institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year, $5,000 award not limited by residence.

Cherokee Nation Council Leadership Scholarship – This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens in each district as well as two atlarge. Applicant must be a current, full-time student at a two- or four-year higher education institution, or a graduating high school senior accepted to a two- or four-year higher education institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year, $5,000 award, with one award for a student residing within each Council district and two awards for students residing at-large. Scholarships administered by CNF are separate from the tribe’s College Resource Center in the education department. Eligible students may apply and receive from both organizations.

Cherokee students interested in applying for these scholarships can visit http://www.cherokeenationfoundation. org. Any questions can be addressed to Cherokee Nation Foundation at 918-207-0950 or Janice Randall at jr@cherokeenationfoundation.org.