Established in 1971, the Chickasaw Nation Foundation continues to fulfill its mission to promote the general welfare and culture of the Chickasaw people by supporting educational, health, historical and community activities and programs.

This year, the Foundation will award more than 50 scholarships to Chickasaw students, up from the 37 scholarships awarded in 2007.

“The Chickasaw Foundation has been blessed with wonderful donors who established scholarships to benefit the education of so many students,” said Johnna Walker, Foundation executive director.

“My Foundation scholarship has helped me tremendously,” said Tara Fall, a senior at East Central University in Ada.

Prior to receiving the scholarship, Mrs. Fall was working 40-plus hours a week, raising three children, and going to school full time.

“Had I not had the extra help, I probably wouldn’t have passed the semester,” she said.

The majority of scholarships given by the Foundation are funded by private donors. Many times, scholarships are created in memory of a donor’s loved one.

“If the donor’s loved one was a nurse by profession, they might request that a scholarship be established for nursing students,” said Mrs. Walker.

There are also scholarships available for graduate students. Tawannah Love is earning her master’s degree in human resources from ECU.

“On a graduate level, it’s great to receive help,” Ms. Love said. “There’s just not very much funding available to aid graduate students.”

As a supplement to the donor scholarships and to recognize all the volunteers and donors, the Foundation also hosts events each year. Cultural Evening and the Friends of the Foundation Reception are examples.

The Foundation, due to a grant by the United States Department of Education, has an Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math/Science program. This program, housed at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Okla., to prepare high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college.

Eligibility requirements differ with each scholarship. To receive an application, visit www.chickasawfoundation.org, email ChickasawFoundation@chickasaw.net, or write to P.O. Box 1726, Ada, OK 74821.

Deadline for the 2008 Foundation scholarship application is June 2. Completed applications can be dropped off at the Foundation office at 110 W. 12th in Ada, mailed to P.O. Box 1726, Ada, OK 74821, or emailed to ChickasawFoundation@chickasaw.net.