Cherokee Nation, Connors State College launches new Cherokee Promise Scholarship

WARNER, Okla. — Cherokee Nation and Connors State College officials signed an agreement Friday to launch a Cherokee Promise Scholarship program on the Warner campus this fall.

Cherokee students who receive the scholarship will earn $9,200 per year to cover housing, tuition and meal plans. The Cherokee Nation already has the scholarship program in place at Northeastern State and Rogers State universities to boost Cherokee college graduation rates.

“The Cherokee Promise Scholarship was created to give Cherokee students increased opportunities to pursue a college degree,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said. “Our tribe’s most valuable asset is our young and talented Cherokee citizens, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they are able to pursue their academic dreams and fulfill their true potential. It is with great pleasure that we are strengthening our relationship with Connors State College with the inclusion of this program.”

Chief Baker and Connors State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn signed the agreement in the student union surrounded by the tribe’s education department leaders and Connors’ faculty and board of regent members.

“We are very happy to team up with the Cherokee Nation on the Cherokee Promise Scholarship to strengthen what is already a strong partnership," Faltyn said. “As a college that leads the nation for health care education among Native American students, Connors’ partnership with one of the largest and most successful tribal nations in America will be a great benefit for our students and the communities we all serve."

Cherokee students can apply for the scholarships until June 5. Scholars will live in the Cherokee Promise Residence Hall on campus and participate in cultural and language activities.

The tribe has about 50 Cherokee Promise Scholars at NSU per semester and 12 at RSU. Students are currently applying for the Cherokee Promise Scholarship at Connors, but the tribe awarded 140 regular education scholarships to Cherokee students at the college last year.

Applications for Cherokee Promise Scholarships are available at https://scholarships.cherokee.org/ or by contacting Dr. Ryan Blanton at 918-463-6342 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..