Smoke Signals October 1990 page 14 EDUCATION Smith(cont) short time and begin supporting myself as soon as possible". On August 31st, 1990, Melanie earned a Diploma of Completion from Trend College of Business. While pursuing her program, she maintained an accumulative Grade Point Average of a 3.00. Her advisor, Jill Smith praised Melanie for her hard work and ability to adjust quickly and overcome problems. Melanie is a 1989 graduate of Willamina High School. She is the daughter of Joseph Smith and Carmen (Mercier) Standing Bear. Brothers and sisters include; Richie Smith, Joey Smith, Mindy Smith, Daniel Haug and Amelia Haug. If you phone the Tribe, the "friendly voice that you'll hear is Melanie's. She is currently working as our Receptionist. She feels this job is a good starting position for her and she enjoys applying all that she has learned. Melanie, we're proud to have you working with us! Our Congratulations! 1991 - 92 Minority Achievement Scholarships Being a Native American high school student who would be a first time college freshman next fall, you may be eligible for a scholarship award covering tuition and all mandatory fees worth nearly $1,900 a year. More than 300 minority students from Oregon are now benefiting from these scholarships to study at Oregon's four-year state colleges and universities. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to fully qualified students who apply to the institution of their choice by March 1, 1991. You must be eligible for regular admission, and you must complete the applica tion for the scholarship. You need not be eligible for financial aid to receive a scholarship. The purposes of the scholarship program are to increase the number of undcrrepresented minority students attending our state colleges and universities and to promote greater campus diversity. The scholarship effort was adopted in 1987 by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education and received the enthusiastic support of Governor Neil Goldschmidt. If you receive one of the scholarships, you may renew it for up to five years (15 terms) in college as long as you maintain at least a 2.00 GPA, complete 36 credit hours of course work each academic year, and make satisfac tory progress toward a bachelor's degree. Over five years, the scholarship would be worth more than $9,000. If this program interests you, contact the Office of School Relations Education Program 346-5700; or the Tribal Education Program for more information. I hope you are planning to continue your education following your graduation from high school. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck at this time of choice and transition in your life. Pi -in i - Tammy Williams (Photo by Dean Azule) Tamara (George) Williams SCHOOL: Phagan's Beauty College PROGRAM: Cosmetology, Hair Design, Manicuring DEGREE: Certificate of Completion Oregon State Board Certificate & License -Cosmetologists Tamara's journey toward completion and graduation from Phagans Beauty College was long and full of several obstacles. She encountered problems stemming from medical complications and personal circumstances. In spite of all the difficulties, Tammy demonstrated a "stick-to-it-ness" by working hard to complete all the certification requirements. On August 17th, 1990, Tammy became our 25th Adult Vocational Trainee to complete their program. She received her Diploma of Graduation from Phagans, and was also awarded certificates regarding Hair Design & Manicuring. Tammy, should she wish to continue further pursuit, was also awarded a scholarship from the Clairol Foundation to participate in further training in Chicago. At her graduation, Tammy received praise from her instructors and peers. She thanked the Tribe for all it's support and expressed a big sigh of relief. Her first words were, "thank God its over!". Her immediate plans call for a short break for medical reasons, then its to work. She has already landed a position and will be employed in the WillaminaSheridan area. Tammy's parents are Myrna Dickey and L. Allen George. Brothers include; Jerry George, Jon George, Rick George and Tim George. For "hanging in there" and all your hard work, Tammy you've made us proud. Our Congratulations! Education Programs Currently there are 4 programs that fall under the Education Programs umbrella. All programs provide limited assistance and services for Tribal members who may wish to pursue training or educational programs. The age range varies dependent upon program and assistance. ADULT EDUCATION: This program provides basic skill development for review or academic improvement. Classes include: GED & Adult High School Completion, Employment Enhancement, and Self Improvement, Community Interest workshops or seminars, and Special Interest Classes. This program has a residency requirement, applicants must reside within the six county service area. Only tuition, books and fees assistance is provided." All applicants must be 16 years or older. ' ! ' ADULT VOCATIONAL TRAINING: This program provides training and educational assistance for members who have little or no employment skills. Members can obtain assistance to pursue two year degree or certification or licensing programs that enable employment. There is a "income & need" criteria and all applicants are required to file a Financial Aid Form per the respective school year. This program has a residency requirement. HIGHER EDUCATION: The program is targeted for members who are wishing to pursue a 4 -year bachelor degree program. Applicants must meet all admission standards to community college and university programs. They can begin their schooling at a community college, but all course work must applicable and transferrable to a 4 year college or university. Applicants must file an FAF. and apply for all possible financial aid from their respective schools. There is no residency requirement for this program. JOM PROGRAM: This program can provide limited assistance to students who reside within and attend the Willamina & Sheridan School Districts. All applicants must be enrolled in the JOM Program, they must be enrolled in a Federally Rccognizxd Tribe, they can be members of other tribes. The program provides assistance to 34 year old enrolled children to 12th grades. Services include: tutorial assistance, home school liaison, leadership enhancement activities, field trips, parent training and limited school supplies. Eligibility criteria will differ from program to program. Some programs will have specific deadline of applica tion. Information and application packets can be, obtained by calling the Tribal Education Program. (503) 879-5211.