Graduation Honors and College Scholarships for Cherokee Citizens
Students are making decisions about their next steps as they get ready for graduation and beyond.
As an Educational Consultant, I specialize in connecting students with opportunities and work to make college accessible to everyone. I have assembled some important links to celebrate the successes of your students.
Cherokee high school students can receive an Honor Cord to be worn with their high school graduation regalia.
As Cherokee students move on to college and university studies, there are a few programs that can help them to manage the expense of higher education.
Students should complete the FAFSA in the fall of their senior year of high school. The earlier that you complete this, the more funding will be available to you. This is required to access most funding. It has been simplified, but is still a bit of a process, so plan to take time to complete it. The student will need their own account, and their parents will need an account, as well. You can find an online tutorial here: 8 Steps to Completing the 2023–24 FAFSA® Form.
After the FAFSA is processed, you will find out your family's expected family contribution to your college expenses. You may also find out if you are eligible for federal grants, work study, or loans. Putting the work into completing the form for your first year will make it easier to reapply each subsequent year. If you are offered a loan, you do not have to accept the loan and it will not impact your credit score to complete the FAFSA.
The state of California provides two years of community college tuition for free, but only if you complete the FAFSA, as well as other requirements found at I Can Afford College.
The California State University campuses have The California Promise Program with funding tied to the specific program that you must apply for.
University of California campuses have the Native American Opportunity Plan, which offers extensive funding for students admitted to a UC campus.
Once you are accepted and commit to a campus, be sure to contact the Native American Student Association there, as they will welcome you to your new community and have more local connections.
There is also a Middle Class Scholarship from the California Student Aid Commission for students pursuing a teaching credential.
The Cherokee Nation provides an Undergraduate Scholarship and, for graduate students, a Graduate Scholarship. It requires service to our community to renew each semester.
There are a number of Scholarship Opportunities through the Cherokee Nation Foundation, as well.
In addition, there are Scholarships For Native Students by the Native Forward Scholars Fund.
In all cases, students should know that there is support for their success and there are a number of ways to ensure that they will be able to achieve their college goals.
— Deirdre Fitzgerald, Educational Consultant and CNCV Member
