Cherokee Scholars program helps students earn thousands in additional funding for college



Cherokee Nation Foundation accepting applications through June 1


TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation Foundation is now accepting applications for the Cherokee Scholars program, which aims to help Cherokee students prepare for success in college.

The deadline to apply is June 1.

“The Cherokee Scholars program is a great way for students to earn extra money for college that is in addition to funds they can receive through the tribe and their scholarships,” said Janice Randall, executive director of the Cherokee Nation Foundation. “On top of challenging them academically, we also hold them accountable for keeping track of their progress and recording their achievement.”

The program outlines a specific progression of academic coursework throughout high school in areas such as math, science, language arts and social studies. Students who successfully complete the Cherokee Scholars program earn funds to help alleviate the financial burden that comes with pursuing a higher education.

There are two levels of achievement within the program: the Basic and the Prestigious. The Basic Cherokee Scholars program allows students to earn up to $4,000 for their college education by fulfilling the requirements below:

(4) credits of English

(3) credits of math

(3) credits of basic lab science

(3.5) credits of social studies

(2) credits in the Cherokee language, same foreign language or technology

Students interested in the Prestigious Cherokee Scholars program must complete the requirements listed above as well as take an additional credit of math and basic lab science and complete a Cherokee Nation History course offered by the foundation. Students who successfully complete the Prestigious Cherokee Scholars program have the potential to earn up to $8,000 to support their college education.

To enroll in the Cherokee Scholars program, students are required to be a Cherokee Nation citizen, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be entering seventh, eighth or ninth grade.

Applications can be found at www.cherokeenationfoundation.org.

For more information, contact Cherokee Nation Foundation at (918) 207-0950 or Janice Randall at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..