The Cherokee mind can change the world. That has been true throughout our history and remains true today. Without the willingness to pursue knowledge, adapt to new ideas, and use them to benefit us all, we would not be able to survive and thrive as a people.
That tradition was strengthened by the Comprehensive Cherokee Education Act of 2024, a historic expansion of Cherokee Nation's long-standing commitment to higher education. The council's unanimous approval reflects the values deeply rooted in the Cherokee people. I am especially excited about the new ways this legislation will create for Cherokee students to contribute through service projects and cultural learning.
A major highlight of the legislation is the infusion of $95,000 into merit scholarships, in addition to the $19 million allocated to the flagship Cherokee scholarship program this year. The Comprehensive Cherokee Nation Education Act of 2024 includes the CN Council Leadership Scholarship for each school district, the Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship for all Cherokee Nationwide, and the Cherokee Nation Vice Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship for all Cherokee Nation members. A variety of opportunities are being introduced for Cherokee undergraduate students. To all Cherokee people across the nation.
The Cherokee Nation Foundation administers merit-based leadership scholarships. These $5,000 scholarships are separate from the main scholarship program and offer more avenues to pursue your academic aspirations.
To further strengthen our scholarship efforts, the Cherokee Nation government will donate the first $50,000 of employee donations to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. The foundation generates approximately $430,000 in scholarships each year for the Cherokee Nation, as well as funding for careers in behavioral health through a $5 million Public Health Endowment Act fund established last year and funded through the tribe's Opioid Solutions Fund. It also manages scholarships for
This legislation allocates $30,000 in additional scholarships to tribal members at large and highlights our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Cherokee people living off-reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. These dollars are in addition to general student funding under our main scholarship program. Thank you to General Trustees Johnny Jack Kidwell and Julia Coates for encouraging us to achieve record levels of funding for general students. Last year, we worked to increase the tribe's primary scholarship program. Cherokee Nation scholarships are currently $2,250 per semester and will increase to $2,500 per semester in fall 2024.
The previous scholarship program, run by the CN Educational Services Administration, required 20 hours of community service each semester. As we increase our investment in scholarships, we are also expanding our scholarship service opportunities. Going forward, scholarship recipients will be able to serve their communities through Cherokee language learning activities and active participation in the new Gadugi Corps program. This progressive step is consistent with the broader goal of preserving and promoting Cherokee culture among younger generations. We were inspired by District 2 Councilor Candessa Tehy, a champion of Cherokee language learning and community service.
This law represents a strategic investment. With each class of students, we create more opportunities to develop skills and follow their passions. This ensures that the Cherokee Nation continues to push the frontiers of knowledge, culture, and shared national development.
Chuck Hoskin Jr. is the Chief Chief of the Cherokee Na.tion.
