Higher Education

Observer Staff

11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and its Education Department unveiled an awesome showcase entitled, "The Higher Education Hall of Fame" on Nov. 18, 2003. The showcase, located in Tribal Operations, highlights Tribal members who have achieved academic success by completing certificate and degree programs. It also includes memorabilia of their wonderful and memorable "college days." Those recognized at this momentous event understand the importance of continuing their education as a means to securing the future of our Tribe. We invite and encourage you to do the same.

We also have outstanding programs to ensure you have every opportunity to reach and fulfill your education and career objectives. The Tribal Scholarship Program is available to every Tribal member who is interested in enrolling at any college, university or vocational/technical school in the country. All you need to do is contact us and we will be happy to assist you with every aspect of getting started with the enrollment process.

For those of you currently attending high school, we have an excellent program designed as a bridge program for entering college. The Youth Leadership Program is for juniors and seniors in high school who are interested in getting jump started on the core classes. Students are allowed to enroll in up to six credit hours per semester. We will pay you student fees, as well as cover costs for books and supplies. Even better, you will receive a stipend for every hour you spend in class. Students in this program are also eligible for the Academic Inventive Award Program.

The Academic Incentive Award Program rewards students who have excelled by achieving a 3.0/B or better in any of their classes. This monetary award is presented to students at the Higher Education/Eagle Spirit Awards Banquet conducted in June at our wonderful resort complex.

Another incredible opportunity is the Tribal Leadership Program that allows students to receive valuable hands-on experience while they are enrolled on a full-time status at a public college or university in Michigan. Students in this program are considered regular, full-time employees and receive a full benefits package, as well as earned leave time. Students must be at junior or senior status and working on a bachelor, master or doctoral program.

The Career Development Program provides students with the same opportunities as the Tribal Leadership Program. This program is for students pursuing two-year degrees. Students in either of these programs work as interns in Tribal departments that relate to their fields of study.

Finally, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Career Expo will take place Feb. 9 and 10 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All of the high school Native American youth from Michigan are invited to attend with opportunities to visit with college and university representatives. Cultural-related workshops are also available to enhance Anishnabe awareness in our Native youth.

If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding any of these opportunities, please feel free to contact the Higher Education Department at (989) 775-4506 and ask to speak to Sharon.

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to submit memorabilia/information regarding your college degree for the Higher Education Hall of Fame.

Please contact the Higher Education Office and we will be happy to send you the forms.

Now is the time to pursue that college degree you have always dreamed about!