HIGHER EDUCATION
The Spokane Tribe Higher Education Program assists Spokane Tribal Members in acquiring their Associate of Arts Degree or Bachelors Degree in their chosen field of study. Recipients can attend classes part time or full time. Services may include assistance with tuition and fees, books and mandatory supplies, and a monthly living stipend. Applications can be found on the Spokane Tribe Education main page, or picked up at the Spokane Tribe Education Department located in the Alfred E. McCoy Administration building in Wellpinit, WA.
The Spokane Tribe Higher Education Program does not fully defray the entire cost of education support and requires the student and parents to financially contribute. Additionally, the Spokane Tribe tuition assistance portion comes into play after the student has fully utilized all other sources of financial aid, including State Aid, Grants, and Scholarships, as listed in the Spokane Tribe Education Policies & Procedures Manual and is awarded based on established Financial Need as established by the Department of Education based off of the information that is provided on a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Student responsibilities
As listed in Policy manual 12/16/14*
- Provide college transcripts with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Full time students must earn a minimum of 12 credits per term with at least a 2.0 GPA. Part time and Graduate students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
- Maintain satisfactory eligibility for financial aid
Failure to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 may result in the student being placed on probation and or suspension - Full time employees (30 hours per week or greater) are eligible or financial assistance of tuition and books only. However, they must:
- Exhaust all departmental resources (must be work related)
- Submit all requested documentation
- Meet the dates and deadlines of the program
- Part time employees (29 hours per week or less):
- Must submit documentation from Human Resources verifying employment status
- Request and submit letter from direct supervisor stating employment status
- Meet dates and deadlines of the program
Entering Freshman/New Student requirements
As listed in Policy manual 12/16/14*
You are considered a “new” student if you have never received higher education funding for a 2-year (AA/AAS) or a 4-year degree (BA/BAS) through the Spokane Tribe Education Department.
- Complete application and return by deadline
- Copy of Student Aid Report SAR for 2022-2023 (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
- Copy of Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), Enrollment Card, Official verification
- High school diploma or GED, whichever is applicable
- Copy of class registration/schedule
- Documentation of application to at minimum two outside scholarships
- These items must be date and/or time stamped
- Acknowledgement form for policies and procedures (page 5-6 of application)
- Copy of college acceptance letter
- Personal letter outlining educational goals
- Copy of proof of Freshman Orientation (as applicable)
Returning students
As listed in Policy manual 12/16/14*
You are considered returning if you have ever received assistance before from the Spokane Tribe regardless of how much time has passed. Some applicants may vary and need updated documentation. Please contact the STOI Education Department staff for more information.
Contact
Aly Peone
Education Program Manager
PO BOX 358 – Wellpinit, WA 99404
Office: (509) 458-8005
Email: aly.peone@spokanetribe.com
Mariah Stearns
Education Outreach Coordinator
PO BOX 358 – Wellpinit, WA 99404
Office: (509) 458-8009
Email: mariah.stearns@spokanetribe.com
Kelsea Brown
Education Data Coordinator
PO BOX 358 – Wellpinit, WA 99404
Office: (509) 458-8009
Email: kelsea.brown@spokanetribe.com
The Spokane Tribe of Indians vision is to achieve true sovereignty by attaining self-sufficiency. We will preserve and enhance our traditional values by living and teaching the inherent principles of respect, honor and integrity as embodied in our language and life-ways. We will develop strong leadership through education, accountability, experience and positive reinforcement.
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