The Cherokee people have a rich cultural tradition that deeply values education. Today, the Cherokee Nation continues to put great emphasis on expanding educational opportunities. Through its Education Services Group, the Nation oversees everything from early childhood development to college and university scholarships. It also operates schools for Cherokee students.

The Cherokee Nation Foundation advances these efforts through visionary scholarship programs to help tribal members achieve their higher education goals. These efforts include the Cherokee College Preparatory Institute, a partnership between the Foundation and the Cherokee Nation Businesses’ Citizen Development Initiative. In this intensive one-week course, students learn key tips for applying to college and for succeeding once they get there.

The University of Tulsa (TU) shares the Cherokee Nation’s desire to provide the best possible education for students of high promise. For a number of years, the Cherokee Nation and TU have supported each other in a number of fundraising efforts. The Nation, through several of its divisions, has generously given to TU initiatives, including a major exhibit at Gilcrease Museum, the Center for Executive and Professional Development, the TU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, the K-8 University School, and others.

In 2012, the Cherokee Nation Foundation provided a magnanimous gift to the university to establish a scholarship endowment fund to assist Cherokee students at TU. The funds were part of a bequest to the Foundation honoring Cherokee citizen Martha Redus, a well-known genealogist. This fund is known as The Cherokee Nation Foundation Scholarship Fund.

The University of Tulsa community appreciates this generous investment in some of our most deserving students and looks forward to seeing these scholars become committed and effective leaders for generations to come.