Last year the Seneca-Cayuga Nation distributed $663,000 in education funds to members who live in every part of the country. In her job as the Education Clerk, Michelle Morris works hard to make sure people have access to these funds. Michelle’s job includes receiving applications, processing them, and making payments. Michelle says an essential part of her job is working directly with students to make sure they turn in their paperwork on time and are successful at school. She says that “many students need some extra support to make sure they are following all the program requirements. I enjoy taking care of my students and helping them learn to be responsible for turning in their paperwork.” Michelle’s commitment to helping students follow the program guidelines embodies our desire as a Nation to ensure that everyone can access education funds and other benefits. 
 

Investing in educating our youth is critical to the long term health of our Nation. The three education programs work together to help at each stage of school. The Youth Fellowship helps build a foundation of learning for K - 12th-grade students. The High School Senior Fellowship Fund assists in the transition from high school to a career or further education. Finally, the Education Fellowship Fund helps students attend vocational school and college.
 

Seneca-Cayuga students attend school all over the country using money from the Education Fellowship Fund. Hunter Burrow is in her third year of medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the first in her family to attend college, and she has been able to mentor her younger siblings as they graduate from high school and go to college as well. Sam Quick stayed a little closer to home to attend The University of Oklahoma. Sam will graduate this year with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in economics. After graduation, he hopes to work in the energy industry, attend law school, and perhaps run for public office. Hunter and Sam are just two examples of people who have benefited from the Education Fellowship Fund and are working to make the world better. 
 

The proceeds from Grand Lake Casino fund the Education Department and other discretionary benefits provided by the Nation. This reliance highlights the need to continually invest in and develop the base of business that can provide additional resources to our Nation and members.  When we develop our companies, and the people who work in them, we are making a long-term investment in our ability to fund scholarships, fellowships, and other benefits for all Seneca-Cayuga people. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of benefits has been a priority of the current administration, which is why the Business Committee regularly evaluates all benefits and investments to ensure fair and universal access for years to come. 
 

The Education Department helps children, youth, and young adults, no matter where they live. Grade school children are provided funds for school clothes, high school seniors are reimbursed for graduation expenses, and people like Hunter Burrow and Sam Quick can receive support to attend undergraduate and graduate university programs and medical school. Michelle’s hard work and dedication to students, combined with careful planning of resources from the Business Committee, ensures there is fair and universal access to education funds for as many students as possible and these programs will be sustained and thrive well into the future. 
 

There are many benefits, services, and programs available to Seneca-Cayuga people. For a full list, see www.sctribe.com/services/. Michelle manages the Education Department, which includes the Youth Fellowship, High School Senior Fellowship Fund, and the Education Fellowship Fund. There are no minimum income requirements, and any member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation is encouraged to apply. The following funds are available: 
 

Youth Fellowship $400 is available per student grades Pre K-12 to buy school clothing. This money can only be used for clothes. 
To apply, visit sctribe.com/service/education/. The Youth Fellowship form is available in July for the upcoming school year. 
 

High School Senior Fellowship Fund Up to $500 is available to help pay for student’s cap, gown, graduation announcements, senior pictures, class ring, ACT/SAT fees, and any other senior-related cost associated with college entry. 
To apply, visit sctribe.com/service/education/ and download the High School Fellowship Application and Guidelines. This is a reimbursement program, so you must submit receipts or invoices for each expense. 
 

Education Fellowship Fund Scholarships to pay for higher education expenses are available. These funds can be used to attend an accredited college, university, trade, or vocational training school.
 

For full-time students, 200 scholarships of  $1,200 each are available for the Fall and Spring semesters. Scholarships are given on a first-come, first-serve basis with no income requirements. Students must maintain a minimum GPA, and grades must be submitted to the Education Clerk each semester. Students receive the $1,200 in two $600 installments during the semester. The first payment is at the beginning of the semester, and the second is made after grades are turned in. Full-time students can also receive $600 for the summer semester.  
Students attending school part-time are also eligible for scholarships. The amount of the scholarship is determined by the number of credit hours the student is enrolled in for the semester. Undergraduate students receive $100 per credit hour graduate students receive $133.33 per credit hour.

To apply, visit sctribe.com/service/education/ and download the Education Fellowship Program Checklist and the Education Fellowship Application. 
 

Be sure and follow the directions carefully, as several supporting documents are required, such as proof of enrollment or acceptance as a full-time student at an accredited institution. You will also need to submit a copy of your class schedule, a copy of your high school diploma or GED score, or an official transcript of the last school you attended. Finally, be sure and include a copy of your Tribal Enrollment Card. 
 

For more information about the Education Department, contact Michelle Morris by email at mmorris@sctribe.com or by phone at 918-787-5452, Ext. 6041.