Page 17 - 2023 JSF Annual

JSF Reflection
JSF has had a long-standing partnership with Salish Kootenai College which has proven to be an investment in positive change that we are extremely proud of. Through this partnership,
we have nurtured the talent of students from many Tribal backgrounds, promoted culturally congruent educational opportunities, and provided access which students may not have had otherwise. We are thrilled to have observed how these scholars transform their lives, as well as contribute their talents to their respective Tribal communities. We could not be more delighted to play a role in supporting Tribal sovereignty through higher education.
Angelique Albert, JSF Board of Directors
“I don’t know if I would have been able to continue my education if it [weren’t] for the Johnson Scholarship Foundation,” she said. “They allowed me to focus on my academic career and find my passion at SKC.
They are also helping support my MBA so that I can bring my knowledge back to my reservation.”
Since 1992, JSF’s Entrepreneurship Scholarship program has provided scholarships to Indigenous students in business or entrepreneurship. This has supported over 200 students throughout their time at SKC. By covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, students can focus on academics, pursue opportunities such as paid internships, and attend events like the American Indigenous Business Leaders annual conference.
Skellenger continues to make her dreams a reality. She joined the SKC business education faculty in January 2023. She’s also a Johnson Scholar at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. There, she’s earning an MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship—a program that JSF created with the university in 2001. She hopes to bring her learnings from Gonzaga to SKC to bridge the gap between tribal colleges and higher education, inspire others, and be the change.
Page 15 EDUCATION