September 2024

Halito

Welcome to the Concurrent Assistance newsletter.

Tribal members face many challenges to prepare for their secondary education. This newsletter is designed to assist you in your education journey and guide you to Choctaw Nation education programs, college prep, scholarship links, and much more.

Chahta pia! (We are Choctaw)

Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival

The Chahta Spirit is Alive and Well at the Labor Day Festival

Na Yimmi, Chukka Achvffa, anonti Im Aivlhpesa ya Labor Day Festival vt Imissa

Higher Education Program (HEP)

Concurrent Assistance 9th - 12th

Assistance Amounts

$200 = one (1) college course

$400 = two (2) college courses

The Higher Education Program Fall 2024 application is currently open through October 1, 2024. Students that plan to apply for HEP Concurrent Assistance must ensure their email address is true and correct inside the Chahta Achvffa member portal. All submitted applications should expect to receive email correspondence in regard to additional information needed. If you have any questions, please contact dvietta@choctawnation.com.

Documents Needed to Apply Every Semester:

Current High School Transcript
College Class Schedule
College Transcript (if previously completed college coursework or earned college credit hours)
www.IRS.gov W9 form completed with student information

Additional High School Programs

High School Student Services (HSSS)

Provides Choctaw students in grades 9-12 with academic information to promote education and/or a career path beyond high school. Reimbursements until funds are depleted

ACT/SAT Test Fees National ACT Test for
ACT/SAT Study Guides (up to $20)
ACT/SAT Prep Workshops (up to $30)
Drivers Education Courses (up to $100)
AP Test Fees
Career Tech Expenses (up to $100)
Post-Secondary Fees (up to $100)
Cap & Gown (up to $50)

Student School & Activity Fund (SSAF)

Application Available 6-1 through 9/1 - Awarding for the 2024 Spring Semester

Offers an annual $100 grant to purchase school supplies and clothing for Choctaw students possessing a tribal membership card.

Success Through Academic Recognition (STAR)

An incentive program for Choctaw members enrolled in grades 2 through 12 that rewards students for academic excellence and encourages success in the classroom.

HEP Concurrent Assistance Student Spotlight

Kiersten Bradshaw

Class of 2024

Kiersten recently graduated as Valedictorian from Anadarko High School. Through concurrent coursework, she also earned 28 college credits!

Kiersten is a member of the National Honor Society and the Oklahoma Indian Honor Society.

She is attending Oklahoma Baptist University Fall 2024 to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.

"The Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program helped fund all of my classes," writes Kiersten.

Congratulations!

COLLEGE and CAREER

COLLEGE FAIRS

East Central University

Event: Ada Area Wide College Fair

Strive Fair - Registration

Date: September 9, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Chickasaw Business & Conference Center (Foundation Hall), 830 East Main, Ada, Oklahoma 74820

Firelake Arena

Event: Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s annual College and Career

https://gotocollegefairs.swoogo.com/potawatomi23/

Date: September 4, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Firelake Arena 18145 Old Rangeline Road, Shawnee, Oklahoma

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa

Event: Scholarship Fair
Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Tulsa Central Library - 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Event: All Majors Career Fair

Handshake (joinhandshake.com)

Date: September 25, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Hallie McKinney Ballroom - 1408 N 5th Ave, Durant, OK 74701

Choctaw Nation Youth Events and Activities Department @ SOSU

Event: Futures of Basketball Showcase
Girls - Futures of Basketball Showcase - Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Boys - Futures of Basketball Showcase (choctawnation.com) - Time 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Bloomer Sullivan Arena, 130 Magnolia Ave, Durant, OK 74701

CNO CAREER EXPO . . .

High School Students:

Contact your high school counselor to ensure your school is signed up for this event!

High School Counselors:

Choctaw Nation Reservation Area high schools may contact the Career Development Program, Deidre Inselman, at (580) 642-8363 or dinselman@choctawnation.com, for registration.

Glowing with Hope 5k-1Mile Fun Run Durant, Ok (office.com)

Friday, Sep 20, 2024 · 8:30PM

The third annual Glowing with Hope 1-Mile Fun Run and 5k is a healthy activity for the entire family! Families Feeding Hope is a non-profit organization in Durant, OK, that is preparing to build a structure on a lot that a generous donor has provided. By participating in this race, you are directly contributing to the success of the program within the community.

Requirements

Call 539-619-6675 for registration details.
Race day registration will begin at 7:00 p.m. and pre-registration packet pickup will follow at 7:30 p.m.
The 5k begins at 8:30 p.m. and the Fun Run starts at 8:45 p.m.

Post-Secondary Scholarships

Higher Education Program

Provides financial assistance to qualified Choctaw tribal members actively pursuing a higher education degree at an accredited college or university.

Fall: Aug. 1 - Oct. 1
Spring: Jan. 2 - March 1
Summer: May 1 - June 15

At the time making application, recent high school graduates should supply both a final high school transcript and college transcript (if previous college credit has been earned). If you need assistance please contact HigherEducation@choctawnation.com.

Documents Needed to Apply:

Current High School Transcript (if recent high school graduate)
College Class Schedule
College Transcript (if previously completed college coursework or earned college credit hours)