The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education strives to help tribal members identify and achieve their educational goals, no matter their age or location. We encourage students by meeting them where they are in their educational journey and supporting them in whatever ways they need. These include, but are not limited to, comparing college options, finding available scholarships, reviewing application essays and identifying internship opportunities.
Starting with the fall 2016 semester, the CPN Department of Education will also administer the CPN Tribal Scholarship, a consolidated version of what was previously the tribal rolls, housing, and higher education scholarships. Enrolled CPN tribal members who complete application criteria will be eligible to receive up to $2,000 (full-time status) or $750 (part-time status) per semester. To streamline the application process, students can apply via the user friendly student portal at portal.potawatomi.org. The deadlines for the tribal scholarships are as follows:
Fall Scholarship
Application Opens: June 15
Application Closes: September 15
Spring Scholarship
Application Opens: November 15
Application Closes: February 15
Summer Scholarship
Application Opens: March 15
Application Closes: June 15
I have included a list of frequently asked questions below, but if you need more information contact us at the CPN Department of Education.
How do I contact the Department of Education?
The best way to reach us is through email at college@potawatomi.org. You can also call us at 405-275-3121.
Why is the scholarship application process changing?
We want to make the process as streamlined and easy as possible for the students. Instead of completing three separate applications, students will only need to complete one application.
Can I still receive the tribal rolls, housing and higher education scholarships?
These scholarships have now been consolidated into one award, the CPN Tribal Scholarship. For this reason, the tribal rolls, housing and higher education scholarships no longer exist.
Do I have to fill out the application every semester?
Once you have completed your profile on the CPN Student Portal, you will only need to update your information each semester. This will save you from having to enter the same information each time.
Is this scholarship only available for undergraduate studies?
The scholarships cover everything from an associate’s degree and beyond, including graduate studies.
What if I’m pursuing a technical degree or certification?
Scholarships for vocational and technical studies will be handled by the CPN Employment and Training Department, who can be reached via telephone at 405-598-0797.
Who will receive this scholarship check?
Checks will be made co-payable to both the student and the university and will be mailed to the address identified by the student on the portal.
Again, if you have any questions, please know our department is here for you. You can contact us at college@potawatomi.org or by calling 405-275-3121.