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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is teaching area high school students how to save money for the future. The new program gives the students "seed" money and helps them learn how to make that money grow.

"Every year millions of children are born into families that don’t have enough savings to get them through tough times or prepare them for their futures, said Gina Martinez, Cherokee Nation Individual Development Account coordinator. "The work we’re doing here can help kids save and build assets, which we’ve learned is the key in securing financial stability and achieving the American dream."

The Cherokee Nation Saving for Education, Entrepreneurship, and Down payment (SEED) program will provide 75 ninth grade students with a $500 account credit when they open a savings account and agree to participate in this four-year program. The Cherokee Nation will deposit an additional $500 dollar match when students successfully complete the program. Over the next four years, students will have opportunities to earn incentive payments of up to $62.50 each year by achieving goals such as increasing ACT test scores, making good grades and doing volunteer work.

Any additional deposits by parents or students will also be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750. In addition, Cherokee Nation will provide financial education classes for the students and parents over the course of the program. Students who complete the program may use their accumulated savings for three goals: post-secondary education expenses, homeownership and small business start-up.

For more information on the Cherokee Nation SEED program, contact Gina Martinez, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2766).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org