The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Education Department was first established in 1992. From 1992-93, the BIA managed the department. Then in 1994, the Tribe gained control of its own funds and implemented three programs within the department: Higher Education, Adult Vocational Training and the Direct Employment Program. While the Direct Employment Program would end in 2002, additional programs were established. These include the General Educational Department Program (1996), Masters Program, and our Youth Initiatives Program, with the latter two programs established during the 1997-98 school year.
Funds to administer the Tribe’s Department of Education (DOE) are allocated through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Ponca member graduates and those who have received education assistance from the Education Department are invited to participate in a survey to identify past members that have utilized the program to reach their academic goals. The information you provide will help us actively recruit Tribal Members for job openings, and identify members needing additional assistance to meet their academic goals.
The survey can be found here: https://poncatribeofne.formstack.com/forms/college_graduate_survey
Attention Students:
The application deadline to participate in our Youth Initiatives Program for the 2022-23 school year is July 31st. Any applications received after that date will be considered for the 2023-24 school year.
To participate in our Higher Education/Adult Vocational Training Programs, please submit your application by August 15th. Any application received after that date will be considered for winter quarter/spring semester.
Adam way Memorial Scholarship
UPDATE: Deadline extended to July 31, 2023
The Adam C. Way Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by Susan and Gary Way in honor of their son, Adam Crary Way. Adam was passionate about sustainable, organic farming and was a man with great compassion for people. Susan and Gary were inspired in their meetings with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska in the Tribe’s push towards food sovereignty. Seeing that connection, Susan and Gary felt compelled to create a scholarship for Ponca tribal members to utilize. Read more and apply – >
Building for the future Scholarship
The Ponca Tribe Education Department is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for enrolled Ponca members pursuing a bachelor’s degree or adult vocational training. Application deadline is August 15, 2023. Read more and apply – >
Contact Information
Pat Eichberger, Director of Education
[email protected]
Aubrey Knudsen, Education Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Department of Education
1800 Syracuse Avenue
Norfolk NE 68701
Phone: 402-371-8834
Fax: 402-371-7564