St. Joseph’s Indian School recently awarded $95,285 in spring-semester scholarships to Native American students across the nation, bringing the total awards for the academic year to a record $186,285.
This spring, St. Joseph’s provided 78 scholarships …
- 15 to alumni
- Nine to family members of St. Joseph’s Indian School alumni
- 54 to other Native American enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and pursuing higher education.
Father-son inspiration was the energy behind Aaron Box’s decision to undertake a degree as a power lineman at Mitchell Technical College. He follows in his father’s footsteps in pursuing this career, and when his son Oliver was born, he says it kick-started his future plans.
“I wasn’t making the best decisions in my life, and I walked down a harder road than I should have. I knew it was now or never,” said Box.
Box, a 2012 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s High School Program, plans to graduate in May. He works at Avera Laboratory Network transporting pharmaceuticals and laboratory specimens, balancing school and work to provide a stable home for Oliver and Box’s partner, Erica.
“Our goal is almost reached, and with the scholarship, I believe we can achieve it,” he says.
He is already making plans for after graduation and hopes to find a job quickly. Mitchell Tech offers the only Power Line program in South Dakota and boasts a 96% job-placement rate.
St. Joseph’s Indian School created the scholarship program to benefit Native American students pursuing higher education. With the generosity of donors, the school has awarded scholarship dollars to Native American students since 1985. Financial need and academic performance are the basis for determining the awards.
Applications are due each fall and spring and are awarded based on proof of tribal enrollment, number of applicants and available funds. Also considered are returning scholars who are continuing their education journey.
I think it is wonderful that the scholarship money is available to assist students to become self sufficient…
however there still seems to be a great need for the students at the school. Shouldn’t they be the priority??
Hi Dianne, the students at St. Joseph’s Indian School are provided everything they need while in our care to set them on a path to opportunity and success. However, our assistance and guidance doesn’t stop as soon as they receive their diplomas. Pursuing higher education can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. This scholarship program is an extra we are blessed to be able to provide. Thank you for your question and support of our school!
I’m so happy for Mr. Box and what he is achieving and hopes to achieve. A technical school education is looking more and more to be the way to go. Our country will need more and more people who can provide the services and knowledge of a technical education.