Morongo awards $40,000 in college scholarships

Now in its 11th year, the tribally funded Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship program has provided $380,000 to students to support college educations for Native Americans.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – As part of a continuing effort to support the next generation of tribal leaders, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has awarded $40,000 in college and graduate school scholarships to four Native American students from across California this year.

The 11th annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship is unique among tribal scholarship programs because it is open to any enrolled member of the more than 100 federally recognized tribes in California.

“Native Americans continue to face challenges in acquiring a college education and they remain one of the most underrepresented groups in colleges and universities,” Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said. “Through our Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarships, Morongo has provided $380,000 to nearly 40 Indian students across California to counteract those trends.  It’s especially gratifying to see so many of our past scholarship recipients returning to tribal communities to use their new skills and education to improve Native American lives.”

American Indians and Alaskan Natives comprise less than 1% of the nation’s college students, the lowest college enrollment rate of any ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Similarly, only 15% of American Indians hold bachelor’s degrees, fewer than any ethnic group in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Each winner received a $10,000 scholarship. The 2015 recipients are:

· Shanice Britton of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. Britton attends UC Davis. She is majoring in biological science, and aspires to become a veterinarian on her reservation.

· Shayna McCullough of the Yurok Tribe. McCullough attends Humboldt State University. She is studying social work with a minor in American Indian education. She plans to get a master’s degree in the social work and become a youth specialist in her tribal community.

· Cara Owings of the Tolowa De-ni’ Nation. Owings attends Humboldt State University. She is studying for an MBA, and plans to work in the economic development field with California Indian Nations.

· Ish-Kaysh Tripp of the Yurok and Karuk tribes. Tripp attends Humboldt State University. He is studying to be an environmental resources engineer with a minor in Native American studies. He hopes for a career improving cooperative public/tribal lands management practices.

“From a young age, I decided that I would graduate from college despite any obstacles, but paying for college has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome,” said Britton, who attends UC Davis.  “Fortunately, the generous scholarship support from the Morongo tribe has given me the opportunity to continue my education. I will continue to work hard toward my degree and return home and help my tribal community.”

McCullough, who attends Humboldt State, said, “Ayekwee, I would like to thank the Morongo Tribe for awarding me the Rodney T. Matthews scholarship with the help from my family and Humboldt State University's Indian Tribal Educational Personal Program at the Native American Center for Academic Excellence. With the generous $10,000 scholarship, I am able to further my education … before returning to my Hupa and Yurok tribal communities to serve as a Native American youth specialist. Morongo has not only helped me but also my family, my tribe and my tribal communities. Wokhlew.”

Owings, another Humboldt State student, said the scholarship “has allowed me to make my academic dreams a reality. The continued support from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians throughout my academic journey has provided me with the energy and encouragement that I needed to continue on with my education.  Shu'-'aa-shii~nin-la'  Morongo, and the family of Rodney T. Mathews.”

Tripp, also at Humboldt State, said, “Growing up in ceremony, I have come to love my peoples’ traditions.  With the right education, I can help them flourish. I very much appreciate the Morongo Band of Mission Indians' investment in my college education and career goals, and I look forward to giving back to California tribal communities."

The scholarship program honors the late Rodney T. Mathews Jr., a Morongo tribal member and Hastings Law School graduate who passed away in 2004 after serving as a judge pro tem for more than a decade.

Scholarship applicants are considered based on their academic success and community service.  Candidates must be full-time students at an accredited college or university, complete 60 hours with a designated California Indian agency and be actively involved in the Native American community.