Graduating Senior Scholarships

Graduating Senior Scholarships

The Pokagon Fund accepts Graduating Senior Scholarship applications between December (exact dates vary) and March 15 each year. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors which may include academic achievement; community involvement; employment; a short essay on a selected topics concerning an aspect of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ culture, and other factors.

To be eligible, an individual must:

  • Be a graduating senior residing full time in one of the following locations: the townships of New Buffalo, Chikaming or Three Oaks; the villages of Three Oaks, Michiana or Grand Beach; or the City of New Buffalo.
  • Have a Grade Point Average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale if planning on attending a college or university. 
  • Have a Grade Point Average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale if applying to a Vocational/Technical School or Certification Program.

Attention New Buffalo Area Schools students: The Pokagon Fund’s scholarship program is entirely separate from the scholarships that are awarded from the New Buffalo Educational Trust by New Buffalo Area Schools. Please contact NBAS for information on this extraordinary scholarship program.

Scholarships can be used to cover the cost of tuition and books at any eligible institution or program. “Eligible institutions or programs” includes many universities, colleges, trade schools and other programs. The Internal Revenue Service has created a webpage that explains which institutions/programs are eligible to receive scholarship payments and links to other sites where you can check to see if the institution or program you are considering is eligible.