December 6, 2010–Denver, Colo. — The Denver-based Castle Rock Foundation has announced it will renew a pledge of $34,000 for the 2011 American Indian College Fund Student of the Year award. Under the program, one outstanding student from each of the accredited 33 tribal colleges and universities in the United States will receive a $1,000 scholarship check for tuition, fees, room and board, books or other educational needs.
To qualify for the award, students must earn a minimum 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate community service and volunteer work in their tribal community, and be American Indian or Alaska Native. Qualified students are nominated by their tribal colleges and universities, and will be honored at an awards banquet at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium 2011 Student Meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota, in April 2011.
The program supports outstanding American Indian students by providing financial support to encourage them to remain in college and complete a college degree, facilitating a better life for themselves, their families, and valuable contributions to their communities and nation. The program also supports a $1,000 Tribal College President Award for a tribal college president who has made outstanding contributions to American Indian education during his or her career.
Richard B. Williams, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, said, “We are delighted that the Castle Rock Foundation is continuing its support of the best and brightest scholars in Indian Country so that they can achieve their dreams. Our graduates return to work in their communities while serving as role models for the next generation, providing hope and leadership in Indian Country.”
John Jackson, Executive Director of the Castle Rock Foundation, said, “We are delighted to join with the American Indian College Fund to honor hardworking Native students and to thank each of them in advance for all of the ways they lift up their communities when they return home. We also thank the tribal college presidents for all of their contributions to American Indian education.”
