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ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOLARSHIP MEETING REPORT (5) NON-SCHOLARSHIP NEEDS
Sherry led a discussion of non-scholarship needs at schools. Based on input from the TCUs in the 1990s, JSF developed the Gonzaga MBA-AIE program to help TCU business program instructors and other staff to increase their education credentials. As of early 2023, 30 of the 84 graduates came from 12 TCUs. 2/3rds came from four TCUs – Salish Kootenai College, Ft Peck College, Dine College, and Sinte Gleska University.
Annual Entrepreneurship Scholarship Meetings include discussions of needs at the schools, and in 2019, we conducted a specific survey of participants’ needs. The responses included:
• JSF Convenings – bringing together thought leaders and practitioners from the community
• Education resources – internships, mentors, role models, adjunct instructors, curricula, other (tech- related)
• Supportive services – wraparound
• Faculty and staff development
• Networking and sharing resources
Some of the non-scholarship needs discussed include assistance for housing and transportation. Wrap around services are important and include food pantry, career closet and transportation assistance. Tribal events at home lead to excessive student absences. The group also mentioned how mental health has become an issue among the students, the value of AIBL chapters, and creating a sense of belonging on the campus for Native students.
CLOSING MATTERS
Sharon handed out the expense report forms. Lisa said she has sent the on-line survey invitation to everyone and displayed the QR Code to access the survey.
Bobby concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for their attendance and their active participation. Next meeting = Friday, October 3, 2025
POST MEETING SURVEY SUMMARY
The feedback from the attendees was favorable. The attendees gave high marks for explaining the updated program reporting requirements. Some attendees asked for additional time for question-and-answer sessions built into the agenda after each session. They enjoyed the endowment panel presentation; some needed to understand endowments fully and gained much information. The presentation from Levi at the University of Arizona and Sherry on non-scholarship initiatives was engaging and thought- provoking for the group. They all appreciate the opportunity to network. They felt the group dinner was an excellent opportunity to meet in an informal setting and continue discussions that were started during the meetings.
Topics that would be of interest at future meetings included:
1. Best Practices in student success that can boost retention and graduation 2. Exchanging ideas on Business & Entrepreneurship programs 3. Exchanging ideas on Community Outreach
Page 16 November Report