WHAT IS THE DNR EDUCATION PROGRAM?
The DNR Education Program is an educational opportunity for enrolled Yakama Tribal Members to pursue a bachelor’s and graduate degree in the field of any Natural Resources discipline.  The program promotes the training, education, and career development of enrolled members to ensure that there will be an adequate number of qualified enrolled professionals in natural resources.  

PURPOSE:
The main purpose of the DNR Education Program is for enrolled members to become Professionals in a Natural Resources field and for them to return their services back to the Yakama Nation.  The DNR Education Program is to provide a comprehensive, appropriate, and well-organized educational approach towards directing the regulation, distribution and/or treatment of Yakama Nation natural resources.  The youth of our Nation is the greatest resources within the Yakama Reservation.  We must plan for a sound education of our youth for tomorrow’s managers of natural resources.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any Yakama Nation Tribal Member who is interested and who will make a commitment to pursue a bachelor’s or graduate degree in Natural Resources.

WHAT IS PROVIDED?
Financial assistance for the following:
Full tuition, books, and other fees
Monthly stipend to help pay living expenses while attending college.
This is not to exceed 9 months of each school year.
Employment during summer breaks to gain experience as a professional.
Job placement after completion of bachelor’s degree
Guidance/Counseling to completion of school

EDUCATION COMMITMENT AND OBLIGATED SERVICES AGREEMENT
Each scholarship is awarded with the condition that the student signs an agreement to complete the educational requirements for a Natural Resource profession.  In addition, the student enters into an obligated service agreement to return to the Yakama Nation after graduation as a Natural Resource professional with the YN for the time that individual was funded through the program.  Services paid back to the YN are based on for the period equal in months to that for which financial assistance is provided.

Failure to meet the terms of this agreement shall be cause for termination, with financial assistance provided only to date of termination.  In the event of such termination, the student is required to reimburse all funds provided by the Yakama Nation DNR Education or as otherwise demanded by the Yakama Nation.  The agreement upon signature is a binding contract and effective upon date of signature by all parties.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
For each student that is selected they are expected to uphold a 2.0 grade point average and carry 12 or more credits to be a full-time student.  If the student does not meet the 2.0 grade point average requirement, that individual will be put on academic probation for that quarter or semester.  They will still receive their funding but are expected to bring their grade point average up to a 2.0 or better by the following quarter or semester.  Or if they should fall under the 12 credit minimum by dropping or withdrawing from a class this will also put them on academic probation.  They are also expected to turn in grades and student schedules each quarter or semester.  It is very important for each student to communicate with the Education Specialist.

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS
The scholarship amount is based on your financial need and individual circumstances.  Each student will receive an award to cover full-time tuition (will not affect other scholarships or funding the student receives), fees, books and a monthly stipend.  The guidelines for the amounts awarded are as follows:

1. Single student $750.00 per month
2. Singe with children $ 1,000.00 per month
3. Married $ 1,000.00 per month
4. Married with children $ 1,250.00 per month

SELECTION PROCESS
After the deadline has been met for all applicants of the DNR Education Scholarship the Education Specialist creates a packet for a selection process.  Each applicant will be rated based on his or her educational background and interest of Natural Resources.  Each student will be rated on a scale from  1-5 , 1=poor and 5= excellent.  The selection committee will rate the applicant according to their academic record, preferably in the subjects of math and sciences to determine eligibility as well as their personal letter (this will state their personal goals and career plants).

Each student will be rated on by the following individuals:
1. Forestry Education Specialist
2. Fisheries Manager and Wildlife Manager
3. Yakama Nation Tribal Council Fish & Wildlife Committee

After each individual has rated each applicant, the applicant with the highest score will be selected for their scholarship and each applicant thereafter.  The list of applicants for that academic school year is kept on file with their applications if for any reason any vacancies are available the next applicant in line will be brought on.