CHEYENNE RIVER EDUCATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Education Services Department P.O. Box 590 Eagle Butte, SD 57625 605-964-7880/7882 605-964-7881 Fax 1-800-898-CRST (2778) Scholarship Application (please read information below before filling out application) Don't have Adobe Reader? Click on the logo below to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free.     If you have any questions regarding any of this information, please contact the Education Services office dal7882@lakotanetwork.com and we will be happy to assist you. Program :  Higher Education Scholarship Program (per P.L. 93-638) Program :  Employment Assistance Grant/Adult Vocational Training Program (per P.L. 93-638) Chairman/Council Representative Scholarship Program Department: General Administration Program Director: Dee A. Lawrence, Education Services Specialist Number of employees: 2 Mission: To Promote self sufficiency and productivity in a growing technological society and to provide financial assistance to the members of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe pursuing a post secondary degree. Our vision: educate our membership to compete in an ever increasing technological world and to share what they have gained to enhance the quality of life on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Annual Funding Amount: Higher Education Scholarship Program - $331,196.00 Employment Assistance Grant/Adult Vocational Training Program - $97,075.00 Chairman/Council Representative Scholarship Program - Funding Source: General Fund $90,000.00 Service Population: All Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members both on and off reservation (the Employment Assistance Grant/Adult Vocational Training Program is only available to tribal members living on the reservation). Services Offered: Financial and non-financial services.  Financial assistance is in the form of a scholarship.  Non-financial services such as career counseling, provide toll-free telephone service to those members who reside off-reservation, request college information, provide and assist in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms, out-reach service in the form of Financial Aid Information presentation to all reservation high schools, transportation to United Tribes Technical College and may direct special tutoring, supplies, testing and other assistance for the student when it is necessary or to prevent student drop-out. Accomplishments: The Higher Education Scholarship Program provided scholarships to 258 students in FY 2005.  The Education Services has two (2) staff members assisting an estimated 2515 tribal members in both financial and non-financial services. The Chairman’s Scholarship provided 9 $500.00 scholarships to graduating seniors from C-EB High School, Takini High School and Tiospaye Topa High School.  The Council Representative Scholarship provided 45 scholarships to students in AY 05-06.  It is estimated 35 students will be funded in the Fall 06 which will bring the total number funded to 80 students for FY 06. Challenges: The importance of continued education is stressed at all levels - Federal, State and Tribal.  However, sufficient funding is not available to accommodate all of our Tribal members who wish to continue their post-secondary education.  This year the Education Services Office received 769 Higher Education applications and of those applications, 511 were not funded.  (These figures do not include Fall 06)  Current regulations for the Higher Education Scholarship Program, as established by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council, prioritize student applications due to limited funding.  Due to the high number of applications received, the Education Office must limit the amount of each scholarship given even though a student’s need may be greater.  The cost of attending college is continually rising.  The Federal Pell Grant was increased this year but unfortunately, the CRST Higher Education Scholarship will not be increased accordingly.  Many of our students can expect to face a high loan debt if they want to go to college unless they are very aggressive in finding alternative financial aid sources.  All federal aid is need-based (including loans) and all of our applicants qualify to receive financial aid in some form.  This indicates that their need for financial aid is great.  Insufficient funding is an issue that plagues all federally funded programs.  Insufficient funding has a direct effect on the quantity of services and in some cases the quality of services provided.  It is estimated that $130,948.00.is needed in order to sufficiently meet each student’s unmet need.  This deficit limits recruitment of more students to participate in the program. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council allocated $100,000.00 to assist college students.  Of that, $10,000.00 was allocated for a CRST Hardship Grant which will be used to assist those who would not qualify to receive any financial assistance from the Tribal Education Programs.  45 students completed the application process and received funding.   Although the Tribe was able to assist more students, due to the high number of applications received, the Education Office must limit the amount of each scholarship given even though a student’s need may be greater.  The cost of attending college is continually rising and many of our students can expect to face a high loan debt if they want to go to college unless they are very aggressive in finding alternative financial aid sources.  All federal aid is need-based (including loans) and all of our applicants qualify to receive financial aid in some form.  This indicates that their need for financial aid is great.  Message: Most students that are serious about obtaining an education do so with or without the help of our program. Student success depends not on the determination of this office, but on the students.  Opportunity is a door open to those willing to take advantage of it.  This generation has grown tired of poverty and lack and realize that a higher education gives hope to conquer it.   In order for our Tribe to prosper, we must possess the skills necessary to compete in this ever-increasing world of technology.  As the Director for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Higher Education department, it is an honor to see Native Americans graduate from college and go on to be a an excellent Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, Secretary or Plumber.  To me it doesn’t matter what your degree is because it is not the degree that determines the value of a person; it’s your attitude and doing what you do with excellence and integrity.  Putting education first demonstrates that we are raising our standards and by that we impact our families, our community and our country. STAFF: Dee A. Lawrence/Education Services Specialist   Michelle West Education Services Assistant PROGRAMS: The following Programs are contracted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe from the Bureau of Indian affairs under a Public Law 93-638 Contract. HIGHER EDUCATION ADULT VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVICES: THE ADULT VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM provides vocational training grants to enrolled Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members and other eligible Indian Tribal Members who reside on the Cheyenne River Reservation. To be eligible for a scholarship a student must be a high school graduate or obtained a GED. The applicant must meet all the criteria stated in the Adult Vocational Training Guidelines. All prospective college students must apply for FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov How to Apply Students applying for AVT are required to submit the following upon applying for assistance Birth Certificate Marriage License (if applicable) Divorce Decree (if applicable) Custody Papers (if applicable) DD 214 (Military Discharge Papers) Official School Transcripts (High School and College) GED (If applicable) Test of Adult Basic Education T.A.B.E. Scores Enrollment Verification-Degree of Indian Blood Social Security Card Selective Service Card Driver’s License (Criminal Justice Program Only) Recent photograph (optional) Arrest Record (Criminal Justice Program Only) Copies of any certificates of training you may have received Job Verification (Placement Only) Landlord Statements (Placement Only) Physical Examination (Request form) Must apply for Federal Financial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov Letter of Acceptance Proof of Residency Program approval The AVT program does not have a deadline; however, students are awarded on a first come first serve basis. THE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM provides scholarship grants to enrolled Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members. To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED. The applicant must meet the eligibility criteria stated in the Higher Education guidelines. How to Apply To receive priority consideration, you application file must be complete by the deadline. The Following documents are required to complete your application file: A fully completed Higher Education Scholarship application form. This form which is in triplicate should be submitted in whole. Faxed or reproduced copies will not be accepted. A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) certifying the applicant is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. (New applicants only) A Letter of Acceptance from an eligible institution. (New students, transfers and previously suspended students only) A High School Transcript or GED scores (New applicants only) High School students must submit a transcript of any completed college coursework. Updated College Transcript from the previous term/year of attendance. (Returning students only must submit an official transcript which must be ordered and mailed directly to our office from the college. Fee required.) A Financial Aid Package form/Needs Analysis Form prepared and certified by the College Financial Aid Officer indicating the student’s unmet need on his/her individual budget, resources and awards. This form will be mailed to the school by the Education Services Office upon receipt of your Higher Education application but can only be returned if the Student Aid Report (SAR) is on file with the Financial Aid Office. NOTICE: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE APPLICANTS enrolling in a vocational education or technical school must submit a letter from the school verifying: 1. Accreditation, 2. Transferability of credits to a 4-year institution. SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICANTS ONLY! Students need to submit a Letter of Justification stating why you need summer school. The letter must be from an academic advisor or another staff person directly involved with the student’s progress. THE DEADLINES FOR EACH FUNDING SESSION ARE AS FOLLOWS: ACADEMIC YEAR…………………………………………………..JUNE 15 SPRING SEMESTER ONLY…………………………………………NOVEMBER 15 SUMMER SESSION…………………………………………………APRIL 15 ***IMPORTANT*** Students must submit a new application for each of the terms above. If you are not awarded for the academic year and would like to be considered for the following spring term, please submit another application for the spring term only. The funding priorities are as follows: 1. SENIORS 2. JUNIORS 3. SOPHOMORES 4. FRESHMAN To remain eligible for the Higher Education Scholarship Program, you must maintain a grade point average (GPA) minimum of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and you must complete the semester earning no less than 12 credit hours. Freshman students may be placed on probation if their term GPA is less than 2.0 but higher than 1.75. Sophomores, juniors and seniors with a GPA of less than 2.0 will be placed on suspension. PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS IN DEFAULT ON A STUDENT LOAN ARE INELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM UNTIL THE STUDENT IS NO LONGER IN DEFAULT STATUS AND IS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID. THE HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP IS A SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT THEREFORE; ALL STUDENTS MUST APPLY FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA/PELL) www.fafsa.ed.gov SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS The Chairman’s Scholarship is awarded to two (2) graduating High School seniors attending Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School, Tiospaye Topa High School and Takini High School. Awards are limited to those who plan to pursue a degree in Accounting or related field, Business Administration or related field and Nursing. The scholarship purpose is to assist the recipients throughout their college career and to encourage them to return to the reservation for employment within the Tribal Government. How to Apply Students are eligible to apply for the Tribal Chairman’s Scholarship if they: Are Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members (Submit CDIB) Are attending Cheyenne Eagle Butte, Tiospaye Topa or Takini High School Are enrolled full-time in a specialized technical degree, an associates or bachelors degree program at any accredited institution. (Submit Letter of Acceptance) Have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement (submit final High School Transcript) Have demonstrated leadership, service and commitment to the Native American Community Have a 2.00 GPA Have an interest in a career in Business, Accounting or Financial Services Industry or Nursing Must submit a student statement explaining your education/career goals; including extra-curricular activities and any other information about yourself Deadline (to be announced each year) The COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SCHOLARSHIP is designed to assist those students who would not otherwise receive any financial assistance from the Higher Education Scholarship or Employment Assistance/AVT Grant program. It is considered a “second chance” scholarship and the student must apply for the Higher Education Scholarship prior to applying for the CRS to determine eligibility. Eligibility Students are eligible to apply for the CRST Council Representatives Scholarship if they: Are Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members (Submit CDIB) Are enrolled full-time in a specialized technical degree, an associates or bachelors degree program at any accredited institution. (Submit Letter of Acceptance) Have graduated from High School or GED. (Submit HS transcript or GED scores) Must first be eligible to participate in the Higher Education Scholarship Program and Have been denied funding through the CRST Higher Education or Employment Assistance Grant programs based on the following reasons: 1. Incomplete application by the deadline. 2. Lack of funds. 3. Enrolled in a vocational/technical degree program. Once funded you must maintain a 2.00 GPA and earn 12 credit hours. Students may not receive both the Higher Education Scholarship and the Council Representatives scholarship. (Fall Funded Students Only) If you re-apply for the Higher Education Scholarship for the Spring Only term and are awarded a Higher Education Scholarship, you must forfeit the second half of the Council Representatives scholarship, which will be then awarded to another student. You must apply for the Higher Education Scholarship prior to applying for the Council Representative Scholarship. Important Deadlines!!! Fall Deadline August 1st Spring 06 Deadline Applications must be postmarked on or before December 15, 2005. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Don't have Adobe Reader? Click on the logo below to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free.     The importance of continued education is stressed at all levels - Federal, State and Tribal. However, sufficient funding is not available to accommodate all the students who wish to continue their post-secondary education. This year the Education Services Office received 769 Higher Education applications and of those applications 511 were not funded. Current regulations for the Higher Education Scholarship Program, as established by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council, prioritize student applications due to limited funding. Another effect of limited funding is the placement of a ‘maximum’ on grants for students per year, although their actual need may be greater. The Employment Assistance Program received 38 completed applications for fiscal year 2005. At the time of application, 13 were placed on the waiting list pending availability of funds but 25 were able to enroll and receive funding. Many students get discouraged when they are informed there is a waiting list involved and do not follow through on the application process. These programs are available to all Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Members desiring to pursue an academic college degree. These programs assist students by providing both financial and non-financial assistance. Financial assistance is in the form of a scholarship. These scholarships are intended to alleviate the burden of college expenses; however they do not cover the complete cost of a college education. This office encourages all prospective college students to aggressively seek alternative financial aid scholarships as well as apply for all available financial aid locally. This is done by consulting with your High School Counselor, www.c-eb.com utilizing the Internet by doing a search for Native American Scholarships, www.collegefund.org downloading the application and following the instructions while paying close attention to the deadlines and by contacting the Education Services office. In addition, we highly encourage parents/students to attend the Financial Aid Information Night www.sdasfaa.org held each year at your local high school as this is where you receive all the information about college and the applications are available at that time. This office also publishes the deadlines in the local newspaper. These deadlines are important as well as the deadlines the college institution sets as the student may also qualify for additional campus based aid only available through that institution. Therefore, we encourage the student to apply as early as parents prepare their income taxes which is usually before March 1 st of each year. The deadlines for the Higher Education Scholarship are: Academic Year June 15th Spring Only November 15th Summer Session(s) April 15th The deadlines for the Council Representative Scholarship are: Academic Year August 1st Spring Semester Only December 15th Once the student has completed the application process, award letters or denial letters are mailed to the student. The scholarship checks are mailed directly to the College Financial Aid Office and are applied towards educational costs first which are tuition, books and fees. Any remaining funds may be refunded to the student to be used for living expenses, however if the educational costs exceed the amount of your scholarship award, the student will not receive a refund and may be required to set up a payment plan to pay the remaining balance owed to the college. In FY 2005, the Education Services Office received 769 applications and only 258 were funded. Total unmet college need after our scholarship was applied was $2,870,479.00. This is why we encourage the student to seek alternative financial aid resources. Many post secondary institutions provide free tuition for Native American students. You will be required to submit a copy of your Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood to the school in order to receive the benefit. You can contact this office to find out which colleges offer free tuition. United Tribes Technical College www.uttc.edu is not one of those colleges. You are charged for tuition, books and fees and are required to apply for all available financial aid to help cover the cost of living expenses. We highly encourage UTTC students to plan ahead prior to departure by applying early and asking questions about the cost, room and board and if you have a family, you must apply for housing. UTTC has a waiting list for housing, therefore you must apply early. Lack of housing on the UTTC campus is problematic especially for families. We may have the funding available but often UTTC is full. The only colleges that are basically “free” are Haskell Indian Nations University www.haskell.edu at Lawrence KS and Southwestern Polytechnic Institute www.sipi.bia.edu at Albuquerque NM. I can’t stress enough that students must be organized when applying for college. The student must be willing to ask questions as we are ready to give you as much information as needed to get a good start towards your college career. Going to college is your first most important step into adulthood; therefore, it is wise for the student to overcome shyness as it can be a hindrance when trying to communicate with your financial aid officer. Once you become an active college student, you must get to know the Student Support Services staff on campus as well as your Advisor/Counselor. These are key people there to help you on your way to achieving your academic goals. The CRST Education Services staff is available to assist you. If you need college information, we can provide you with toll-free telephone numbers www.sdasfaa.org to contact the college with your requests or we can request the information for you. We can assist you in completing the forms, however, we highly encourage the student to do the best they can as the student must become familiar with the process them selves in order to be successful at college. Message to parents: Your college student needs your support. www.eac-easci.org We encourage parents to communicate with their student, help them by encouraging them to stay in school and by providing them with emotional support as well as financial support when needed. This is a very important factor in college success. If you have any questions regarding any of this information, please contact the Education Services office dal7882@lakotanetwork.com and we will be happy to assist you.