College of Nursing The Wokunze Project Indian Health Service Award Section 112 Scholarship 2007-2008 Student Scholarship Information and Application

Project Director: Dr. Thomas Stenvig, PhD

Project Manager: Susan Rosen, MS

Project Administrative Staff: Ann VanBeek

Description: The Wokunze Project is funded by the Indian Health Service under Section 112 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, as amended. This project provides scholarships for qualified individuals to pursue full time study in a program leading toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Scholarships cover tuition and fees, books and other reasonable educational expenses, and a stipend of $1,250 per month. Scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis and may be renewed up to a maximum of 48 months depending on academic progress and the availability of continued funding.

Eligibility: Only American Indians and Alaska Natives admitted or pending admission to the nursing major in one of the baccalaureate nursing program options at SDSU are eligible. See items 2 and 3 below. Scholarships and stipends are available for full time study only. Current IHS scholarship recipients and individuals currently fulfilling an IHS loan repayment or scholarship obligation are not eligible.

Application Requirements: Only applications meeting the following requirements will be considered:

1. Completed scholarship application (see page 2).

2. Verification of Tribal enrollment or American Indian/Alaska Native descent. *

3. Admission or pending admission to full time study in the nursing major at SDSU for RN Upward Mobility or Accelerated (NACC) baccalaureate program option applicants OR admission or pending admission to the nursing major for standard (traditional 4-year) option applicants. Students at Brookings, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls are eligible.

4. Transcripts showing cumulative GPA meeting respective nursing option minimum admission requirements. **

5. Two letters of reference from employers or instructors describing relationship to the applicant, the student's interests, accountability, professionalism, time management skills, aptitude, and likelihood of successful program completion. At least one reference must be from an educator or teacher who knows the applicant. Be specific in covering all points.

6. A brief personal essay (typed, double spaced, not to exceed two pages) written by the applicant describing:

(a) career goals,

(b) how the applicant intends to use a baccalaureate degree in nursing to improve health care for Indians, and

(c) commitment to full time study.

Be specific in covering all points.

7. Completion of a personal interview with two Wokunze Project staff. This interview will be arranged by project staff with finalists after the initial review of application materials.

Funding Priority: Funding priority will be given in this order of preference:

1. Residents of South Dakota;

2. Residents of states having tuition reciprocity with South Dakota; and

3. All others.

Instructions: Submit all required application materials to:

Dr. Thomas Stenvig, Wokunze Project Director

South Dakota State University

College of Nursing

Box 2275

Brookings, SD  57007

Application Deadline: New applications are not being accepted until further notice.

Confidentiality and Review Procedures: Application materials are treated confidentially to evaluate qualifications and suitability for Wokunze Project funding. However, Wokunze Project staff may make reasonable efforts to verify information presented as part of the application review.

* BIA Form 4432 or comparable Tribal documentation is required with the application. Copies are acceptable for the initial scholarship application. Finalists must provide original documentation of tribal enrollment or verification of Indian descent from the BIA or respective Tribal agency before any scholarship will be awarded.

** Copies of transcripts are acceptable for this scholarship. Official transcripts are required for admission to SDSU.

Other Financial Aid: Applicants are advised to continue existing financial aid until awards are made and advised by Wokunze Project staff to consider canceling other financial aid.

Questions? Contact Dr. Stenvig at 605/688-6652 or by email at Thomas_Stenvig@sdstate.edu

Wokunze Project 2007-2008 Student Scholarship Application Form

Revised 1/22/04

Updated 12/3/04, 8/8/06, 12/7/06, 7/3/07

Last Update: July 2007 Published by Dr. Gloria P. Craig, College of Nursing Webmaster South Dakota State University College of Nursing