The Cherokee Nation Scholarship Program provides funding for individuals who come from tribal areas or counties that are close to tribal areas (these territories are mostly in Oklahoma) and are of Cherokee descent. This scholarship fund provides money for both undergraduate and graduate work. Individuals are required to perform one hour of community service within the Cherokee community for each 100 dollars they receive.
The Cherokee Nation Scholars Program does not directly provide funding to individuals; however, it confers the status of a "Cherokee Nation Scholar," which allows individuals to build strong applications for ethnic minority scholarships. This program requires individuals maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout their final year of high school and in college. If this standard isn't maintained, the status can be withdrawn, which may endanger scholarships the student received because of the program.
The CNEC offers private scholarships for individuals who are members of the Cherokee nation. The scholarship is given out on the basis of academic performance and financial need, as well as community service within the Cherokee nation. Individuals are encouraged to emphasize how they would use their education to further the cause of the Cherokee people.