"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - KSU Extends Special Offer

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Kansas State University has made an offer that many Sequoyah Schools seniors cannot refuse: discounted tuition, scholarships and an education in a high-demand field. Kansas State University at Salina is offering bachelors degrees in engineering technology, aviation and technology management to Sequoyah graduates, with little out-of-pocket expense.

“I was disturbed by the lack of Natives in higher education,” said Leslie Hannah, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, Arts, Sciences and Business at Kansas State University and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. “We’d love to have them (Native American students) on our campus and people are listening to me about giving more Native American students educational opportunities.”

Kansas State University has agreed to reduce out of state tuition costs and provide $3000 yearly in scholarships to Sequoyah students who receive a recommendation to one of these programs from their high school counselor or who meet the university’s entry requirements.

“Aviation experts are in high demand right now,” said Dixie Schierlman, associate dean of student life at Kansas State University. “There is a shortage of people in the aviation profession, including pilots. We are the only school in Kansas to offer aviation maintenance or pilot training.”

Kansas State University at Salina has an enrollment of 900 students and can house 200. It is located on the runway of the Salina airport and is less than a five-hour drive from Tahlequah.

“I’m from this area. Tahlequah is what I call home,” Hannah said. “I want to give back to my community, especially my hometown Indian students. They are capable and they have the most cutting-edge school, thanks to the Cherokee Nation. I know they are getting the good quality education they need to take this and take off and fly into their futures. Sequoyah has done a good job preparing them for this.”

Sequoyah Schools seniors who are interested in the program will attend an open house on the University’s campus on April 19.

Sequoyah Schools, a boarding school for Native American students, originated in 1871 as an orphan asylum to care for children who were orphaned by the Civil War. Now known as Sequoyah Schools, it is named for Sequoyah, the scholar who developed the Cherokee syllabary and is operated by the Cherokee Nation. It is regionally and state accredited for grades 7-12 and has become the school of choice for more than 400 students every year.

For more information about Sequoyah call (918) 453-5400 or visit the Sequoyah Schools web site.