| Introducing Circle of Youth |
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Circle of Youth is a collaborative effort of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's health, social service, cultural, finance, environmental, tribal court, buffallo and educational programs. Children will be taught about the following:
- Healthy living, nutrition, exercise, and weight management.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention.
- Ponca Tribe history, traditions, and language.
- Life skills, domestic awareness, and coping skills.
- Tutoring, college preparation, and financial/lifestyle preparation.
To learn more or for more information about the Circle of Youth activities in your area:
| Fun Links |
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Click a link to go exploring:
ENVIRONMENT
Curious about climate change? www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/cc.html
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
HOMEWORK HELP
MUSIC
Gathering of Nations Internet Radio: www.gatheringofnations.com/gonradio/
 www.nationalgeographic.com/
OTHER LINKS
SPORTS
YMCA ACTIVITIES
Lincoln, NE - www.ymcalincoln.org
Norfolk, NE - www.norfolkymca.org
Omaha, NE - www.metroymca.org
Sioux City, IA - www.siouxlandy.org
| Grant and Scholarship Opportunities |
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Grant and Scholarship Opportunities-NEW!
Assistance Available to Native American Students
Several colleges and universities offer assistance to Native Americans who can provide proof of membership with a state or federally recognized tribe. For example:
- The University of Maine offers a North American Indian Waiver and Scholarship Program that pays for tuition, fees, room, and board. Approximately 500 students in the University of Maine system are enrolled in the program. Members of recognized Canadian tribes are also eligible after establishing state residency.
- University of Minnesota and Morris and Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, give qualified American Indians free tuition.
- University of Massuchusetts offers tuition waivers to Indians who are state residents.
- Michigan waives tuition at all public colleges and the university for student who prove tribal lineage or membership, and reside in the state for a year or more.
- Syracuse University offers free tuition, fees, room, and board to first-year and transfer students from local tribes.
Ponca Educational Trust Fund
Any student attending Nebraska schools UNL, UNK, or UNO may be eligible to receive additional educational funding through the Ponca Educational Trust. Please send your documentation in one envelope to Larry Wright Jr., 1701 E. St., Lincoln, NE 68508. For details, contact Larry Wright Jr. at 402.540.7122, ldwrightjr@gmail.com.
ELIGIBILITY:
- You must apply for funding assistance through the PTON's Education Department.
- You must have a Cumulative Grade Point average of 2.0 or higher.
- You must be enrolled in 12 or more hours for the upcoming semester and submit a document from the University you are attending to show the hours that you are enrolled for the upcoming semester
- You must submit a transcript of the previous semesters that you have completed.
- You must sign an information release form with the Ponca Education Department.
- You may submit for reimbursement for any books purchased for your classes; include an itemized receipt.
- You must include a copy of the award letter received from the PTON's Education Department.
- You must be in good standing with the Education Department and the University.
- You must also include a letter that states how much funding you are requesting from the Trust.
Haskell Indian Nations University
HISTORY
For more than 117 years, Haskell has been providing the educational needs of American Indians. In 1884, Haskell opened its doors as the United States Indian Industrial Training School, focusing on agricultural education for grades one through five. Ten years later, it expanded its program beyond the elementary level. By 1927, high school classes were accredited by the state of Kansas. The school also began offering post-secondary courses. In the early 1930s, industrial training became an important component of the curriculum, and by 1935 Haskell began to evolve into a vocational/technical institution with the last high school class graduating in 1965. In 1970, Haskell officially became Haskell Indian Junior College. It was again renamed in 1993, becoming Haskell Indian Nations University.
Today the school continues to meet the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people from across the United States. Not only does the school provide a wide variety of two-year degrees but it also now offers some four-year degrees and all at minimal cost to the student.
COSTS
2006-07 costs totaled a mere $215 per semester for on-campus students. Fees include:
Student Activity $35
Housing 56
Food 68
Library Usage 51
Little Nations 5
In addition to the required fees, students who take upper level courses must purchase their own books. This usually applies to Juniors and Seniors. Average cost is $600 per semester.
LITTLE NATIONS CHILD CARE CENTER
Students with children who wish to use the childcare center pay a $40 enrollment fee per semester, plus any other costs the center requires.
STUDENT TEACHING FEE
All students admitted to the Elementary Teacher Education Program are assessed a fee to cover student teaching in the local school district. Please contact the Teacher Education Program for the fee cost.
NOTE: Because there are no tuition costs, Ponca students who attend Haskell have only required assistance with book and/or fee costs.
Nebraska State Grant
The State of Nebraska provides the Nebraska State Grant (NSG) to students who meet certain qualifications including, but not limited to, being a Nebraska resident, attending a Nebraska postsecondary institution, and eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
The NSG is awarded by postsecondary institutions within the state. Therefore, students must apply to the school to be considered for the grant. All institutions require applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available from high school counselors, the EducationQuest College Planning offices located in Nebraska, or on line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Some institutions require an institutional application as well, so make sure you check with the financial aid office at the school(s) you are interested in attending.
For additional financial aid information, students can contact EducationQuest or on-line at http://www.finaid.org.
Science and Engineering Students
For those students who plan to pursue careers in science or engineering, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has scholarships available. Please visit their Web site for more information: http://www.aises.org.
| Contact Information |
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Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Departments of Education and Culture
402.371.8834
FAX: 402.371.7564
pate@poncatribe-ne.org or garyr@poncatribe-ne.org |
