"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Scholars Programs Encourage Students

"Photo: Don Raleigh, superintendent of Pryor Public Schools, is shown giving a presentation to 8th grade students
about the Oklahoma Scholars and Cherokee Scholars programs."

This spring Cherokee Nation will team up with the Oklahoma Scholars program to give Cherokee students a better opportunity to prepare for their future.

The Oklahoma Scholars Program is a high impact, low cost, business-led program that starts with placing business leaders into eighth grade classrooms to share with students the benefits of completing the Scholars program, such as college preparedness and scholarships. The program is offered to all students, but is aimed at catching those students who might otherwise take the path of least resistance if not encouraged to do more.

“This partnership is an important extension of Oklahoma Scholars, as the Cherokee Nation will help deliver the program in the rural areas,” said Terri Nicoll, state director of Oklahoma Scholars. “Their focus is to reach Cherokee Nation students specifically, but the fall-out effect will benefit the other students in the communities as well.”

The new partnership has created the Cherokee Scholars Program, which is designed to increase the percentage of Cherokee high school graduates prepared to enter college by encouraging them to take more demanding classes now during high school. Students can achieve the Oklahoma Scholar designation by completing the Scholars Course of Study, a specific sequence of academic courses in math, science, language arts and social studies. Oklahoma Scholars receive special recognition for academic achievements during high school and upon graduation, and become stronger candidates for certain types of financial aid and scholarships.

The application deadline for all students is July 31 following their high school graduation. To qualify students must be a citizen of Cherokee Nation, must have completed the Scholars Course of Study and have passed each course with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Other guidelines may apply.

“The educational opportunities provided by Oklahoma Scholars will add a much needed dimension to the Cherokee Nation Educational Services program,” said Dr. Neil Morton, Cherokee Nation Education Services Group Leader. “We are excited to be a part of this proven, result-oriented program.”

Qualifying Cherokee students residing in Oklahoma will also receive the honor of being named a Cherokee Scholar along with the title of Oklahoma Scholar, and some may qualify for an additional scholarship.

For more information please call 918-207-4991 or go to Cherokee Nation Education Division and go to the Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarship Programs.