Applications being accepted for Native American Education grant program

Press Release Date: 09-03-2009

DURANT, Okla. – The 2009 Native American Excellence in Education Project at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is now accepting applications.

Interested Native American undergraduate Education students should read the entire application to determine eligibility and continued interest. The application may be downloaded at http://www.SE.edu/naeie. For more information, contact Chris Wesberry at 580-745-2376 or e-mail cwesberry@SE.edu.

Twelve students will be selected in the Fall 2009 semester to begin as project participants in the Spring 2010 semester. The new participants will receive educational services and financial assistance during their undergraduate semesters and Induction Services during their first year of teaching.

NAEIE is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education, which has been awarded to Southeastern for the next four years. The goal of the SE NAEIE Project is to provide support and training to Native American individuals in completion of a pre-service education program which will enable them to meet the requirements for full state certification or licensure as teachers.

Course work must lead to a Bachelor's Degree in Education before the end of the grant award period. Only participants who can reasonably complete their chosen educational degree within the award period (by May 2012) will be accepted. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and have completed 45-60 credit hours by the end of the Fall 2009 semester. Students seeking Alternative Certification are not eligible.

Requirements include being Native American, being enrolled as a full-time student, and having 45 credit hours completed prior the end of the Fall 2009 semester.

Benefits include tuition and fees for 16 hours per semester, textbook assistance, monthly living stipend, child-care stipend, testing fees paid, re-location assistance stipend, laptop computer and printer, extensive exposure to cultural activities and events, professional development from education experts, and classroom technology skills.

Applications must be received by October 1, 2009. Applications should be mailed to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Native American Center for Student Success, Attn: Chris Wesberry, 1405 N. 4th Avenue, PMB 274, Durant, OK 74701.