Scholarship announced for Native American students pursuing a degree in Natural Resources

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Intertribal Timber Council has announced scholarship opportunities for college students and graduating senior high school students pursuing degrees in natural resources.

The Truman D. Picard Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting Native American students pursuing a higher education.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to college students. The number of awards varies each year. A $1,500 scholarship will also be awarded to graduating senior high school students.

Students interested in applying must submit:
1. A letter of application that includes: name, permanent mailing address, email address if any, and phone number. It should be a maximum of two pages in length, which address the following areas:
   a. Interest in natural resources
   b. Commitment to education, community and your culture
   c. Financial need. Students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should attach the Student Aid Report or have the report sent to the ITC office. If the Student Aid Report has not been completed, you are asked to send last year's SAR.
2. Résumé
3. Three signed letters of reference, preferably on letterhead and dated within the last six months.
4. Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U.S. government. A photocopy of your enrollment card, front and back, or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) will suffice.
5. Transcripts: All students must include transcripts. High school students must also provide documented proof of acceptance to an institution of higher education and a review of college class schedule to verify major before a check is released. College students must also provide proof of their declared major.

All requested information must be received by the close of business at 5 p.m. on January 29, 2010.

The ITC has cooperative financial aid agreements with the University of Washington and Salish Kootenai College. Recipients of the ITC Truman Picard scholarship are eligible to receive additional scholarships including tuition waivers. For more information, visit the ITC website at www.itcnet.org; or email ITC: itc1@teleport.com; or fax: (503) 282-1274 or contact either of the two colleges directly.

The ITC established the Truman D. Picard scholarship program in honor of him for his determination to complete his education and for his individual efforts to bring the BIA Forestry and Colville Tribal Forestry together to improve the level of forest management on the Colville Reservation. He was one of the first from the Colville Agency in Nespelem, Washington, to attend the Forest Engineering Institute at Oregon State University and complete its program. He later returned to OSU and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management.