General Information

The Ho-Chunk, Inc. Higher Education Program provides scholarships for 3 candidates selected for 2-year scholarship to either 4-year institution or technical college and part time job with HCI Company and an option for a part-time job with HCI or subsidiary during this period. The scholarship is based on the student applying for all other available grants, scholarships, etc. first and then receiving a subsidy for expenses up to a maximum of $1000.00 per year per student. As a part of the program recipients will have access to HCI “Mentors” who will help support the student and act as a coach to encourage them to stick with the program. At the end of a successful two-year program, student will have the opportunity to receive a full time job to explore career advancement opportunities with the company.

Guidelines for Eligibility

To be considered for financial aid from the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Higher Education Program students must:

• Be undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree.
  
• Be an enrolled Winnebago tribal member or able to show direct descent.
  
• Be applying to an accredited four-year school, a two-year college or approved trade school.
  
• Is currently maintaining a 2.5 or higher GPA.

Must be majoring in an area of Business, Management, Accounting, Finance, Tribal Management, Law, Computer Science or Engineering, Telecommunications, Economics, Sales/Marketing, Behavior Science, or related degree program.

Applications are available in writing, telephone or e-mail at the following office or you may download our application from www.hochunkinc.com.

Ho-Chunk, Inc.
1 Mission Drive
Winnebago , NE 68071
402-878-2809
E-mail: scholarships@hochunkinc.com

Please Note:

Completed applications must be postmarked or delivered by hand to HCI by 4 pm on May 2, 2008 to be accepted .

Who is selected?

Selection of recipients depends on various factors. The availability of space is most significant. Financial need, especially where it is not readily available through other financial aid sources, is also a key factor. Academic merit is also considered, but is not critical as long as a 2.5 GPA has been maintained throughout high school, or a 2.0 has been maintained so far at the college or university level.

• Include an updated high school or college transcript, including the most recently completed semester.
• Include two letters of reference from non-family members verifying the student’s character, need, merit and circumstances. These letters must accompany the application.
• Include a one-page explanation of the student’s life circumstances (including why a scholarship is needed and reasons for attending college.) The more that is explained the better.
• Include a written statement on 1) How the Winnebago tradition and culture has influenced your life. 2) How the Winnebago tradition and culture fit into your college and/or career goals.
• Your application will not be accepted past the May 2, 2008 deadline.
• Your application will not be accepted if it is incomplete.
• Be sure it includes all of the items listed on the application.
• Plan ahead for things that may take extra time: transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
• Use the checklist.

Grant Information
If you are granted a scholarship you must:

 Know how you may use your scholarship

• HCI scholarships may be applied to any tuition and fees or other expenses.  
• Scholarships for students on the semester system are not for summer school.  They are for the school year only, unless the student is in a 12-month program (such as nursing or some trades).  Students on the quarter system may apply their funds to both quarters of the fall and spring semesters.  
  

How long you may have your scholarship

• Scholarships will be provided up to two years for a four-year college or for two-year schools. Or until graduation, whichever comes first.  
• Students on scholarship may not drop out for a period of time and be reinstated as a scholarship recipient.  They must re-apply along with first-time students.  

Know how to keep your scholarship

• You must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and grades must be sent to the scholarship office along with your intended date of graduation postmarked no later than the deadlines,
• June 30 th for the spring semester and
• January 31 st for the fall semester.
• Students on the quarter system must submit grades each quarter -  
• no later than May 31 st
• no later than August 31 st
• no later than November 30 th
• no later than March 15 th
• No financial aid can be distributed until your grade updates are in.   Checks will be mailed to you unless otherwise indicated

Know about job requirements

Students working for Ho-Chunk, Inc or subsidiary must follow the regulations and guidelines of the employee handbook. If the student is terminated it is possible that they may lose their scholarship.

Know about credit hours

STUDENTS MUST CARRY AN ACADEMIC LOAD OF AT LEAST 12 CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER or be classified as a full-time student, or you must explain any unusual or significant circumstances, which would necessitate taking fewer credit hours.

Know about transferring to another school

• If you transfer to a different college or university, your scholarship will continue providing you have notified this office in advance of your transfer and have followed all rules and maintained at least a 2.0 GPA each semester and have confirmed your intended date of graduation.  
  

How scholarship is paid

Scholarships will be distributed August 15 th for the first semester/quarter and January 15th for the spring semester/quarter. We must have prior semester grades before we will disburse payment for the next semester/quarter. Scholarship payments will be mailed.

About dropping classes

Dropping a class is acceptable as long as you maintain 12 credit hours or are still classified as a full-time student.

Scholarship Application Checklist

In order for the application to be processed, you must furnish the following items IN THE SAME ENVELOPE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:  

1) Updated high school or college transcript including most recently completed semester. 

2) Two (2) letters of reference from a teacher, employer or clergy (not personal friends or relatives).  These MUST accompany your application. 

3) At least a 1-page handwritten response to the question asking you to explain circumstances, which you feel, should be considered when your application is reviewed. 

4) A written statement on 1) How the Winnebago tradition and culture has influenced your life. 2) How the Winnebago tradition and culture fit into your college and/or career goals.

Sign and return with your application the whole attached "release of information" forms.  We will send it to your college or university. 

Be sure to KEEP THE SHEET of the application, which has instructions and information.  You will need this if you are granted a scholarship. 

Remember, incomplete applications will not be accepted!  

How to contact us

• If you have questions concerning your scholarship, or if you need to provide us with information, you can call Sharon Bass at (402) 878 -2809, or send an e-mail to scholarships@hochunkinc.com

Scholarship/Employment Application