Scholarships & Application

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CTNEAL Scholarships are still funded through a percentage of tribal tax dollars and private donations. Eight tribal scholarships were funded for 2024. The topic for 2024 is “Why is it important for you to identify yourself as Native American in today’s society and how can you do this in a meaningful way?” 

Tribal scholarships must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2024.

 Minimum requirements for a tribal scholarship: The applicant: 

 
1.  Must be enrolled in the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama for a minimum of three (3) years AND

       a.  Must be current in all applicable taxes and fees.

       b.  Must produce documentation of active participation in tribal/American Indian projects for the past year.  Tribal projects could include presence at quarterly Council meetings, participation in youth retreat, participation in Cherokee or American Indian presentations within a school or community setting, etc. Documentation may include, but not be limited to, name/date/location of the event or project, photos of applicant participating in the event or project, letter of verification from a project supervisor or event coordinator, and/or paperwork reflecting participation in the development of, or preparation for, the project.

2.  Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

3.  Must be an Alabama resident or an out of state citizen in good standing of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama.

4.  Must attach proof of acceptance or current enrollment from the school you plan to attend (school must be located in the State of Alabama unless the courses needed are not offered in Alabama).

5.  Must attach an essay (at least 250 words but not to exceed 500 words); the subject is posted on the application. This essay will be used only in case of a tie.
 

Tribal Scholarships are:  

1. The Rebeca Brannan Scholarship was created in 2016 by one of our citizens in honor of his mother. This scholarship is funded annually by the Brannan family.  (General Scholarship)

2. The Papa Gene Story Scholarship (for postgraduate students) created in 2014, was named in honor of Wilburn Eugene Story, who was the husband of our former chief, Charlene Tuckaleechee Story. Papa Story was a strong supporter of CTNEAL, attending participating in every tribal activity until his health began to decline. This scholarship is funded by CTNEAL and is restricted to postgraduate students only. 

3. The Whitaker Family Scholarship for Business Majors was created in 2021 to assist undergraduate students studying business. This scholarship is funded annually by the Whitaker Family.

4. The Whitaker Family Scholarship for Postgraduate Business Studies was created in 2021 to assist postgraduate students to expand their knowledge of business decisions. This scholarship is funded annually by the Whitaker Family.

Scholarship application forms are available from the tribal office after January 1 of each year. The Brannan & Pell Scholarships have only basic requirements as listed above (click below to print a copy). Other scholarships have specific criteria; call 205-914-2070  if you have any questions.

When you’re thinking about taxes and your charitable donations, please consider giving to the CTNEAL Scholarship Fund.