Cherokee minds can change the world. That’s been true throughout our history, and it’s just as true today. We could not have survived and thrived as a people without the willingness to pursue knowledge, adapt to new ideas, and use them to benefit all of us.
That tradition has been bolstered by the Comprehensive Cherokee Nation Education Act of 2024 – a historic expansion of Cherokee Nation’s longstanding commitment to higher education. Its unanimous approval by the Council of the Cherokee Nation reflects the deeply engrained values of the Cherokee people. I am especially excited for how this law creates new ways for Cherokee students to give back through service projects and cultural learning.
A key highlight of the act is the infusion of $95,000 into merit scholarships, adding to the impressive $19 million allocated for the primary Cherokee Nation scholarship program this year. The Comprehensive Cherokee Nation Education Act of 2024 introduces a range of opportunities for undergraduate Cherokee students, including the Cherokee Nation Council Leadership Scholarship for each respective district, the Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship for all Cherokees nationwide, and the Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship for all Cherokees nationwide.{
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The Cherokee Nation Foundation will administer the new merit-based leadership scholarships. These $5,000 scholarships are separate from the tribe’s primary scholarship program and can provide more avenues to pursue academic aspirations.
To further bolster scholarship initiatives, the Cherokee Nation government will match the first $50,000 of employee contributions to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. The foundation generates about $430,000 in scholarships for Cherokees annually, and it also administers scholarships for behavioral health careers through a $5 million Public Health and Wellness Fund Act endowment set up last year and funded through the tribe’s opioid settlement funds.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.