Tribal students take advantage of state grant

Continued from Page 1A they can access the grant and attend classes, even on-line if they live outside of Oregon.”

Weaskus said she hopes the state will continue to offer the grant program to help students attain educational goals.

“It’s an important part of our growing educated tribal workforce. It’s a great way for the state of Oregon to give back to the nine tribes after all the sacrifices our ancestors gave up to be here,” she said.

Read the Q&A from some CTUIR students:

Cynthia Bean

reshman at Blue Mountain Community College

Major: Associate of Science TransferBusiness

Occupation: Secretary II/ Receptionist, CTUIR Public Works

How did this grant encourage you or help you pursue going back to school?

I was already considering going back to school, and was planning on attending University of Phoenix. I changed my mind and decided to attend locally with BMCC, knowing that the tribal state grant would be helpful finance wise.

What has it meant for your education goals?

It means a lot to me in reaching my goals in getting my Associates in Business.

How else would you have made higher education possible?

I don’t know, this is so new to me.

What do you want the State of Oregon to know about this grant?

What does it mean to you?

I am thankful for it! It really means a lot to me, going part-time college and working full-time (I don’t want to overwhelm myself and quit school). Having this grant is a godsend. With other grants and scholarships you’re required to attend full-time.

What would you tell Governor Kotek about the need for this grant for future students?

I would let her know to keep it going, this is a motivation and it encourages Tribal students to continue their education and or go back to school. We need more Tribal students to continue and get that education.

Why should the State of Oregon keep offering this grant?

It helps! Like I mentioned before I am a part-time student and I don’t qualify for scholarships that my Success Coach emails us students to apply for, they require that you be a full-time student.

Lauren Lewis

Graduate student at Oregon State University Master’s Degree in Radiation Health Physics

Occupation: Chemist I, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Energy and Environmental Sciences Program (EESP)

How did this grant encourage you or help you pursue going back to school?

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant allowed me to continue pursuing my educational goals without needing additional student loans. With the assistance of the grant, I felt more prepared to return to college.

What has it meant for your education goals?

Receiving the Oregon Tribal Student Grant means I can reach my educational goals sooner and without the stress of excessive student loans upon graduation.

How else would you have made higher education possible?

If it weren’t for the Oregon Tribal Student Grant, I would have had to work for several more years before feeling ready to transition back to college. I would have needed to take out more student loans and might have had to leave my position working for the tribe to qualify for an assistantship.

What do you want the State of Oregon to know about this grant? What does it mean to you?

This grant is essential to improving tribal representation on campuses and throughout every level of the workforce. Historically, college requirements have been a significant barrier to Indigenous populations across Oregon and beyond. The Oregon Tribal Student Grant reduces the financial burden placed on Indigenous people by attending college, allowing more Native Americans to succeed as students and professionals. To me, this grant represents a commitment to equity and diversity in higher education.

What would you tell Governor Kotek about the need for this grant for future students?

I urge Governor Kotek and the State of Oregon to continue offering the Oregon Tribal Student Grant to students.

This grant is critical in supporting Indigenous students and improving educational outcomes for historically underrepresented populations. By continuing to provide this grant, Oregon can help make higher education more accessible to Indigenous students and reduce the financial obstacles that often prevent them from pursuing their dreams.

Why should the State of Oregon keep offering this grant?

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is a vital component in advancing equity and diversity in higher education, and it has the potential to positively impact the lives of countless Indigenous students for years to come. By continuing to offer this grant, Oregon can show its commitment to supporting Indigenous students, increasing educational opportunities, and promoting a more inclusive workforce.

Kylie Thorne

Junior at Oregon Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene

Occupation: Dental Administrator and Dental Hygienist, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center

How did this grant encourage you or help you pursue going back to school?

I had been on the fence about returning to school but this opportunity I could not let pass by. I read about it and began applying to finish my Bachelor’s degree.

What has it meant for your education goals?

It got me motivated to start taking classes again, whereas before I had just been putting it off until I could find the time. There is never a great time to add education into your full time work schedule, so this gave me the boost I needed.

How else would you have made higher education possible?

I would have had to take more student loans to cover the expenses.

What do you want the State of Oregon to know about this grant? What does it mean to you?

This grant created amazing opportunity for those that needed that extra kick in the pants to get going with school. Money is a huge barrier for most decisions, so with this grant it allowed many to continue working, and complete their educational goals without the pressure of extra debt.

What would you tell Governor Kotek about the need for this grant for future students?

The more opportunities created for education, the more students will hopefully take advantage of this, and we will have more skilled and educated workers in the community. Education is very expensive, and the way financial aid works when you

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