The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Education Department was first established in 1992. From 1992-93, the BIA managed the department. Then in 1994, the Tribe gained control of its own funds and implemented three programs within the department: Higher Education, Adult Vocational Training and the Direct Employment Program. While the Direct Employment Program would end in 2002, additional programs were established. These include the General Educational Department Program (1996), Masters Program, and our Youth Initiatives Program, with the latter two programs established during the 1997-98 school year.
Funds to administer the Tribe’s Department of Education (DOE) are allocated through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Attention Students:
If you plan to apply for Higher Education assistance, the deadlines are:
Winter quarter: November 15, 2024;
Spring 2025: December 15, 2024;
Summer 2025: May 15, 2025.
The application deadline to participate in our Youth Initiatives Program for the 2024-25 school year is July 31, 2025. Any applications received after that date will be considered for the 2025-26 school year.
Adam way Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 15, 2025
The Adam C. Way Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by Susan and Gary Way in honor of their son, Adam Crary Way. Adam was passionate about sustainable, organic farming and was a man with great compassion for people. Susan and Gary were inspired in their meetings with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska in the Tribe’s push towards food sovereignty. Seeing that connection, Susan and Gary felt compelled to create a scholarship for Ponca tribal members to utilize. Read more and apply – >
Building for the future Scholarship
The Ponca Tribe Education Department is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for enrolled Ponca members pursuing a bachelor’s degree or adult vocational training. Application deadline is August 15, 2024. Read more and apply – >
Cobell Scholarship
The Cobell Scholarship is a financial opportunity for Native college students to support success with higher education. The 2024/2025 Undergraduate and Graduate Cobell Scholarship Program applications are currently open through March 31, 2024. To learn more, or to apply, click here: https://cobellscholar.org/.
Contact Information
Pat Eichberger, Director of Education
[email protected]
Aubrey Knudsen, Education Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Department of Education
1800 Syracuse Avenue
Norfolk NE 68701
Phone: 402-371-8834
Fax: 402-371-7564