We value our Chickasaw graduates and support their success!

This article appeared in the May 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

Nothing can match a good education. It is the key to greater appreciation of the world, and to the brightest possible future.

The Chickasaw Nation has historically been an “education tribe.” For generations, Chickasaws have valued education and tribal government has supported its growth among the people at every turn.

When we were removed to our present homeland, schools were among the first institutions to appear. Chickasaws have consistently made an impact on their tribe, and on American society, by improving themselves through education.

In this May issue of the Chickasaw Times, you will learn about many young Chickasaws graduating high school across the country. These exceptional people, on the cusp of adulthood and productive lives, have now cleared that first important education hurdle.

Many will now choose to move ahead to college or university study in a wide variety of disciplines. Some of the Chickasaws you read about today will become teachers, engineers, managers, physicians, artists, accountants, attorneys, and so much more. They are on their way to making a huge and positive difference, not only for their own families, but for their tribe, their communities and their country.

We can’t value a good education in simple dollars, but we know it takes resources for our students to hit their educational goals. And in today’s world, a good education is expensive. Over the past four decades, the cost of a college education has risen faster than any other sector of the American economy, including health care. For today’s students, getting a quality advanced education is very often out of reach.

For Chickasaw students, there are so many options! The Chickasaw Nation dedicates millions of dollars annually to all the things needed by our students to achieve educational success.

The tribe offers a vast menu of opportunities in education. Our students receive scholarships, grants, stipends, books, computers, tutoring, housing, and much more – all provided by the Chickasaw Nation. And the vast majority of our students perform very well in school and attain their degrees. Then they are off and running to lives of success and fulfillment!

The tribe also invests in our students who choose different education paths. Many of our students choose to study a trade or skill through a vocational or technical school. Some serve apprenticeships on their way to trade journeyman status. Many choose to attain licenses, certificates or other levels of achievement in their selected course of study.

The Chickasaw Nation is there for them every step of the way!

At the Chickasaw Nation, we are dedicated to providing resources and support that allow our students every chance for success. We understand these young people are critically important to the future of our tribe, and we are totally committed to them and their goals.

Let’s consistently encourage our students in their studies. Theirs is not an easy road, and we want each and every Chickasaw student to succeed.

Congratulations 2015 graduates! Your tribe is proud of you!