Page 14 - 2024 November Report

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOLARSHIP MEETING REPORT
October 4, 2024
ATTENDEES:
Aaniiih Nakoda College – Kristi Syvertson, Lori Owens
Alaska Pacific University – Hilton Hallock, Allison Knox
Diné College – Mariah Thomas
Fort Lewis College – Steve Elias, Melissa Mount
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University –Jessica Wagner-Schultz
Nebraska Indian Community College – Dawne Price
Northwest Indian College – Brandon Morris, Joal Galindo
Robeson Community College – Valissa Lowery, Brittany Moore
University of North Carolina - Pembroke – Edwin Mensah, Mohamed Djerdjouri
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Pam Ramos from Northern Arizona University
Robert Lawrence from United Tribes Technical College Tammy Miller-Carlson from the American Indian College Fund Levi Esquerra from the University of Arizona
Johnson Scholarship Foundation – Bobby Krause, Sherry Salway Black, Rick Williams, Sharon Wood, Lisa Loomis
Rick opened the meeting with a traditional prayer and a land acknowledgment for our presence on Salt River Pima land and of the importance of place when we gather.
Bobby welcomed everyone and spoke of the long tradition of this meeting and its importance to the Foundation. Bobby used the new video to introduce the Foundation and its history.
Lisa led the room in self-introductions.
ANNUAL REPORT THEME THIS YEAR
Bobby spoke to the theme of “Education a Powerful Force for Change” and introduced the 2024 Annual Report theme of “Mission Driven” in connection with the change of JSF’s Mission approved by the Board in September. Our mission is to help people prepare for and obtain a college degree. He reminded everyone that the past annual reports can be accessed on our website.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Rick reviewed the program policy. A handout of the policy was shared with all attendees as well as shared on the screen for viewing. Rick stressed that he conducts desk audits regarding compliance with the Foundation policy. He pays particular attention to the individual student’s financial need and the amount of the scholarship award.
There was discussion around the fact that many students take a break from their studies and that the schools sometimes have a hard time awarding all the funds available. Rick notes that the scholarships are designed to help business students progress through college and obtain a degree. The focus is not just on access to college, but college completion.
Rick announced that JSF is no longer going to include the request for reports on graduates as we recognize that information has proved very difficult to obtain. We do, however, appreciate receiving “success stories” that we can share on our social media posts.
Page 12 November Report