CATAWBA INDIAN NATION SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE 2014-2015 CIN-SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION The Catawba Indian Nation Higher Education Scholarship Committee Presents: THE CATAWBA INDIAN NATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM In this packet you will find CIN and BIA scholarship funding policies on pages 1 4 and the application consist of pages 5 13. Page 14 contains special information to help you in completing your application. Page 15 is a special request page. Please return it with your application. It is recommended that students allow ample time to obtain all the required paperwork. Incomplete and late applications are not reviewed or accepted. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO: Catawba Indian Nation Attn: Scholarship Office 996 Avenue of the Nations Rock Hill, SC 29730 Applications must be submitted COMPLETELY filled out with ALL supporting documentation by the JUNE 15, 2014 DEADLINE. Incomplete and/or late applications are not accepted. Catawba Indian Nation Scholarship Committee Program (CIN-SP) Scholarship Policies CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
1. ELIGIBILITY A. CIN MONIES: Each student applicant must be an enrolled member of the Catawba Indian Nation. B. BIA MONIES: Students must comply with federal rules and regulations that accompany the BIA Scholarship Grant. Preference is for full-time students who are matriculated in a degree-granting program (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate). Tuition Assistance / Levels of funding will be determined for part-time students based on the number of credit hours per semester. On-line and distance learning degree programs offered through accredited colleges and universities are eligible for funding. All CIN-SP Scholarship Funds Policies apply to all on-line and distance learning degree programs. 2. PRIORITY RANKINGS The following categories are ranked in order of preference. Category 1 is the first priority while Category 2 is the second. The maximum allowable level of funding for ALL Categories will depend on the availability of funds on a year to year basis. 1. Tribal members who are undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical college/vocational college. 2. Tribal members who are Graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university. 3. Undergraduate student out of state. 4. Graduate student out of state. 5. Continuing Education funding is not available. 3. MAXIMUM LEVELS OF CIN-SP AWARDS for TUITION ASSISTANCE A. The CIN-SP will utilize the maximum allowable levels of funding, per academic year, based on the formal determination by the financial aid office of each specific college for full-time students. These levels will be utilized to prevent under-funding and over-funding in the allocation of CIN Scholarship Funds. Failure to report additional or all funding to the CIN-SP could result in disqualification from the program. B. TUITION: The maximum tuition rate will be determined by the Financial Aid Office of the college or university. CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 1
C. TRANSPORTATION: Not available. D. SUPPLIES, ROOM AND BOARD: Not available E. BOOKS: When available, funding will be limited to an amount to be determined by the CIN-SP based on established criteria for availability of funds per academic year. This will be divided into academic semesters. Receipts and text list will be required. F. PERSONAL EXPENSES: Not available. G PREVIOUS EXPENSES: CIN-SP is not responsible for expenses incurred in any academic years prior to the period of time determined in approved Scholarship applications. H. LATE FEES: Each student applicant is responsible for requesting a waiver of late fees when grant monies are utilized to pay costs. If the student does not request the waiver, the late fees will be the responsibility of the student and NO CIN-SP. I. WITHDRAWALS: A student who withdraws from college must notify CIN-SP in writing within 10 days of withdrawal. If the student fails to do so, he or she will automatically jeopardize future eligibility for CIN-SP funding a. REPAYMENT OF FUNDS RESULTING FROM WITHDRAWAL: If a student withdraws from or leaves school or any individual class after the close of the school s eligibility for refund period or fails to comply with the school s refund policy, he or she will be responsible for any expenses during that semester or class and will be responsible for ensuring the CIN-SP is fully reimbursed for any costs it has incurred. If, at the time of the withdrawal, the CIN-SP had already paid Scholarship money for that semester or class, the CIN-SP must be reimbursed by the student in full within the time limit that will be determined by the CIN-SP on a case by case basis. J. OVERFUNDING: Students who are over-funded, and fail to report such will be required to repay funds paid by the CIN-SP. This includes all students, full or parttime. Eligibility for future CIN-SP funding may be terminated if: a. Full repayment is not received by/within one year, or b. An adjustment to his/her next funding cycle is not worked out with the CIN-SP Committee. c. Eligibility can be restored only through formal action by a majority vote of the CIN-SP Committee. CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2
4. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT APPLICANTS A. FASFA REQUIREMENT: ALL students enrolled half-time through full-time status MUST complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and comply with ALL FAFSA regulations in order to be eligible for CIN-SP funding. The application and application process is available for no cost through www.fafsa.ed.gov. B. DEADLINE: All CIN-SP applications must be submitted no later than JUNE 15 th to be eligible for consideration for any funding during any part of the academic year. This applies to any and all semesters during the academic year, even partial year enrollment. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS! C. All students must apply for additional funds treating the CIN-SP as your last source of funding: D. PELL Grant (also called FAFSA) by the required deadline set by your school. E. All other applicable state funding (i.e.: LOTTERY funds, etc.) F. Other Available Funding Sources: a. Any scholarships specific to your degree. b. Any scholarships available to you. Remember: Students must re-apply each school year. Students are responsible for obtaining an application and submitting all required documentation by the deadline. Applications are available for printing from the Catawba Indian Nation website www.catawbaindian.net beginning March 1 through the June 15 deadline. CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 3
5. OTHER MANDATORY DUTIES A. All students must send updated transcripts or grade report and class schedules for the next semester to CIN-SP at the END of each academic semester or quarter in order to receive funding in the next cycle. B. Students are expected to keep copies of all applications and be able to provide them upon request. C. All students must notify the Committee in writing of a change of enrollment status within 10 calendar days. NOTE: Failure to comply with any of these regulations is grounds for denial of CIN-SP funding. 7. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: Students must have and must maintain a 2.0 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) semester/quarter average. A semester/quarter GPA below 2.0 will result in the CIN-SP APPLICANT BEING PLACED ON PROBATION FOR THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER OR QUARTER of current funded year. (MUST HAVE A 2.0 GPA to APPLY and RE-APPLY each school year.) Each student will be given only one semester or quarter to bring his or her grades up to a 2.0 grade level. A student will be refused funding if the semester/quarter GPA does not come back up to the 2.0 level within that time frame or when re-applying for new school year funding. 8. SPECIAL REQUESTS: To be eligible for consideration, students must be in compliance with all CIN-SP requirements. (Including meeting deadline date!) Regular academic requests will receive consideration before special requests. A. Special Requests must be typed and sent to the CIN-SP. The request should also clearly specify needs, conditions, and circumstances as well as submit sufficient and proper documentation to substantiate the request. Special Requests will not be considered until the Committee receives a written request. B. Maximum allowance will be determined by the CIN-SP per academic year, contingent upon available funds. CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 4
CATAWBA INDIAN NATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2014-2015 APPLICATION CHECK SHEET Required documents for a complete application. Student Name Date Received COMPLETED Application (Completed by CIN-SP) A complete application includes submitting pages 5 through 12 plus the following items: NEW STUDENTS APPLYING FOR THE CIN-SCHOLARSHIP Those not receiving a 2013-2014 CIN-Scholarship This application completed and signed (Return Application pages 5 through 12) College Acceptance Letter (If returning to the same college and not required to re-apply, student must provide some proof of enrollment.) OFFICIAL High School Transcripts or most current/recent OFFICIAL College transcipt (whichever is applicable) Student Aid Report (SAR) or Web Submission Confirmation from FAFSA Application Letter (aka Personal Statement) Two (2) Recommendation Letters Account Information Permission Letters (One-school, one CIN) Application pg. 11-12 Copy of Tribal Enrollment Card Copy of State issued Driver s License Copy of Social Security Card **GRADUATE DEGREE STUDENTS must also provide o Proof of Bachelor Degree o Graduate School Acceptance Letter RETURNING STUDENTS under CIN-Scholarship Only those that received a 2013-2014 CIN-Scholarship Application completed and signed (Return Application pages 5 through 12) Complete updated OFFICIAL College Transcripts Student Aid Report (SAR) or Web Submission Confirmation from FAFSA Account Information Permission Letter (One-school, one CIN) Application pg. 11-12 **GRADUATE DEGREE STUDENTS must also provide o Proof of Bachelor Degree o Graduate School Acceptance Letter on file for award within last five years COMPLETED APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 15. Late applications/incomplete applications not accepted NO EXCEPTIONS. Minimum 2.0 GPA required to apply. *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 5
POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT THIS PAGE MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH THE COMPLETED APPLICATION BY THE ESTABLISHED DEADLINE All recipients of CIN-SP Grants certify that he/she will not engage in certain unlawful actions involving controlled substances while conducting grant activities ANTI-DRUG ABUSE ACT CERTIFICATION I certify that as a condition of my CIN-SP Grant, I will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by my CIN- SP Grant. I have read the CIN-SP Guidelines, understand their meaning and agree to adhere to them and to be responsible for the appropriate documentation in order to be eligible for funding. Printed name of applicant:_ Signature of applicant: DATE: _ ***RETURN THIS PAGE*** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 6
Catawba Indian Nation 2014-2015 Scholarship Application www.catawbaindian.net Applications are dated and reviewed in order of receipt. Return to: Catawba Indian Nation Attention: Scholarships 996 Avenue of the Nations Rock Hill, SC 29730 Name: (Last) (First) (MI) Date of Birth: Sex: Male Female Tribal Enrollment #: State DL: Email: Home Telephone: Cell: Home (Mailing) Address: City State Zip Mailing address while in school Phone City State Zip High School: School City State Year HS Diploma/GED Received: High School Cumulative GPA: Pursuing: AA/AS BA/BS MA/MS PhD/MD Other: Major/Field of Study: Year in School: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Grad/Med: 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Undergraduate School/College:_ School City State Accepted?(Y/N) Graduate University/College: Anticipated Date of College Graduation: Current College Cumulative GPA: Submit official transcripts with this application as proof of GPA. (Entering Freshman should submit high school transcript.) Minimum 2.0 GPA required. Extracurricular Activities/Leadership Experience: Work Experience: *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 7
Required Letters Required Application Letter / Personal Statement (not required for Returning Students) On a separate sheet include a short statement about yourself to help us feel better acquainted with you. This statement should address four areas: 1. Why did you choose your field of study? 2. What are your educational and post-educational goals? 3. Please describe what it means to be an American Indian leader or tell us how you contribute to a Native community (Tribal community, Indian organization, Native elders, etc.) 4. Evaluate your past scholastic performance and describe any obstacles you may have faced as a student. If you are facing any special problems you want us to know about in regards to this application, your college plans, family circumstances, or your health, please tell us about them. Required Letters of Recommendation (not required for Returning Students) Submit two current letters of recommendation. We suggest a teacher or counselor at school, your religious minister, a tribal leader, or an adult friend at work or in your community who knows you well. The letters should be addressed to the Scholarship Reading Committee. Name Address Relationship CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 8
Financial Assistance Statement This section is required to be completed by all applicants List all Sources of Financial Assistance to which you ve applied: Institution or Agency Amount Requested Approved (Yes/No/Pending) *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 9
Educational Expenses Worksheet *GET EXACT TUITION & FEES* DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION BLANK. (If BLANK you will not receive funding) Expenses for the upcoming school year - refer to school and/or catalog for figures. GIVE DETAILED LIST OF REQUIRED FEES FALL: SEMESTER or QUARTER Tuition (credit hours x tuition rate ) = Fees Books _ Mandatory Parking Fee Other mandatory expenses (itemize) Submission DEADLINE for Fall is June 15, 2014. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WINTER: SEMESTER or QUARTER (COMPLETE ONLY IF YOUR SCHOOL HAS A WINTER TERM!) Tuition (credit hours x tuition ) = Fees Books Mandatory Parking Fee Other mandatory expenses (itemize) Submission DEADLINE for Winter 2015 is June 15, 2014. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPRING: SEMESTER or QUARTER Tuition (credit hours x tuition ) = Fees Books Mandatory Parking Fee Other mandatory expenses (itemize) Submission DEADLINE for Spring 2015 is June 15, 2014. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Funds not guaranteed based on information requested or provided above. Information is used for scholarship budgeting purposes only. Scholarship funds are for funding assistance not guaranteed full payment of expenses. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated assistance requested for the school year: Special educational assistance (specify) (Veteran s Educational Assistance, Social Security, Vocational Rehabilitation Funds, etc.) Basic Grant (BEOG, PELL/FAFSA Program) *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 10
Estimated assistance cont. Scholarship from college sources Other scholarships (specify) Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Work-Study Program Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant Tribal Grant National Direct Student Loan Federally Insured Student Loan (FISL) Other assistance (specify) Total Estimated Assistance Family Information: (check one) Father Mother Guardian Stepfather Stepmother: Name: Street/Mailing Address: City, State ZIP: Age: occupation/employer: Level of Education completed: (check one) Father Mother Guardian Stepfather Stepmother: Name: Street/Mailing Address: City, State ZIP: Age: occupation/employer: Level of Education completed: List all children and other dependents receiving support from your parents/guardians, their ages, and school level or occupation. (Applicants with dependents should also provide this information.) I hereby certify that I am a Catawba Indian. I certify that this application contains no willful misrepresentation or falsification and that the information herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement herein may disqualify me for consideration of the requested scholarship. Printed name of applicant: Signature of applicant: DATE: _ *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 11
The Catawba Indian Nation CIN-Scholarships 996 Avenue of the Nations Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-366-4792, ext. 224 Fax: 803-327-4853 PERMISSION TO DISCUSS STUDENT ACCOUNT CIN COPY Student Name Social Security Number School Attending Complete Address Financial Aid Officer Of School (Phone) (Fax) This letter goes into my Financial Aid file at the Catawba Indian Nation and gives my permission to Catawba Indian Nation Scholarship Officer to discuss my account with this school and (optional): Mother Father Applicant / Student s Signature Date *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 12
The Catawba Indian Nation CIN-Scholarships 996 Avenue of the Nations Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-366-4792, ext. 224 Fax: 803-327-4853 PERMISSION TO DISCUSS STUDENT ACCOUNT SCHOOL COPY Student Name Social Security Number School Attending Complete Address Financial Aid Officer Of School (Phone) (Fax) This letter goes into my Financial Aid file at my school and gives my permission to this school to discuss my file with Catawba Indian Nation Scholarship Officer. Applicant / Student s Signature Date *** RETURN THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATON TO CIN-SP, DO NOT SEND IT TO YOUR SCHOOL, IT WILL BE SENT TO YOUR SCHOOL WITH YOUR AWARD LETTER FROM CIN-SP*** *** RETURN THIS PAGE *** CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 13
ATTENTION Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Catawba Indian Nation does not have FAFSA (Pell Grant) Applications. Students should access forms from FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or visit your school s financial aid office. Completion of the FAFSA application is required under the CIN-SP policy. Copy of the Student Aid Report (FAFSA) or Web Submission Confirmation page must be forwarded to CIN-SP with application packet. BE SURE TO INCLUDE COPIES OF YOUR STATE AND TRIBAL IDENTIFICATIONS!!!!!!! CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 14
Talent Bank The Talent Bank is a program overseen by our Job Placement and Training Coordinator. The program objective is to compile a computer database that includes the job skills of our Tribal members. By signing below, you authorize for the information you submitted on page 7, with the exception of your Social Security number, to be added to the Talent Bank. (Your Social Security number will NOT be entered into the Talent Bank.) The Talent Bank is optional and your choice to participate will not affect your scholarship application in any way. By signing here, I give permission for my information on education, work experience, and volunteer skills (Extracurricular Activities/Leadership Experience) to be added to the Talent Bank. By signing here, I do not give permission for my information on page 7 to be added to the Talent Bank. Catawba Indian Nation web site www.catawbaindian.net While you are on the web site, please sign up to receive important information by completing the section on Email Updates. After completing this step you will receive emails on events, job postings, news, and any important announcements about your Tribe. Please Return this page with your application CATAWBA INDIAN NATION 2014-2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 15