Page 29 - October 2023

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (DRAFT) (5) that JSF could help this organization serve more students.
The Committee approved as presented an application from Bender Leadership Academy requesting $150,000 over 2 years with a 1:1 match to support the Résumé Builders Program.
11. Indigenous Peoples programing a. Potential new school
A memo from Rick had been circulated. Rick explained that he requested information from 2 schools he considered to be possible Entrepreneurship Scholarship candidates, the University of Minnesota and the University of New Mexico. While the University of Minnesota did not respond to the request, the University of New Mexico responded quickly. UNM has several things in its favor. There are 2 Native faculty members in the business school, and between 34 and 52 Native students have graduated from the business school each year for the past 3 years. There is a well-established student support system, and the school has a chapter of the American Indian Business Association (AIBA) and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Rick suggested a site visit to the campus in the fall.
In the past, JSF has worked with UNM-Gallup. This proposal would be for the main campus in Albuquerque. Native Forward Scholars Fund is familiar with UNM, as it is one of the top 3 institutions that its scholars choose to attend.
The Committee authorized staff and consultants to pursue discussions with the University of New Mexico as a potential Entrepreneurship Scholarship school and to conduct a site visit.
b. Robeson Community College request
An email from Valissa Lowery, the Johnson Scholarship coordinator at Robeson Community College, had been circulated. The school requests clarification about whether a student who is a Johnson Scholar enrolled in 2 degree programs will continue to be eligible for a JSF scholarship after completing her other degree, which is in a non- business program. When she completes her current business degree, the student plans to open her own business. The Policy Statement currently states that applicants who have already received a degree from another institution are ineligible to receive support from JSF.
After a brief discussion, there was a consensus that continuing the student’s scholarship would be appropriate in this case. The Committee directed staff to bring a policy revision recommendation to the GPC so that requests for exceptions to policy can be made at the staff level.
The Committee approved the request as submitted by Robeson Community College on behalf of Valissa Lowery.
c. Indigenous Endowments annual report
The 2022-2023 Indigenous Peoples Programs Endowment Report from Rick had been circulated. JSF has invested $17 million in endowments benefitting Indigenous students majoring in business or entrepreneurship. There are 12 endowments at 11 colleges and universities, 2 endowments at the American Indian College Fund and 1 with Native Forward Scholars Fund. Scottsdale Community College, Fort Lewis College and Northwest Indian College are still growing their endowments. The report did not include Gonzaga University’s endowment, but it will be included going forward. Rick commented that there is some inconsistency across the board in that some of the organizations are not spending 5% of the proceeds as stipulated in the agreements. These are being addressed on a case-by-case basis.
d. Heritage University request
A letter from David Wise, Heritage University’s Vice President for Advancement, Admissions, Marketing and Communications, had been circulated. The school was very successful in raising funds for its endowment. However, it is now having trouble awarding enough scholarships because of the small number of students eligible
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