Education

ATTENTION PONCA STUDENTS: The deadline to participate in our Youth Initiatives Program for the 2025-26 school year is July 31, 2026. 

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Education Department was first established in 1992 and only serves enrolled Ponca Tribal Members. 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).

Adam way Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 15, 2026
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

Deadline: August 15, 2026
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. Read more and apply – >

Dreamcatcher Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Dreamcatcher Scholarship is being provided by an anonymous donor for all of our Ponca members nationwide. Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program to qualify. Full time status for undergraduates is 12 credit hours and 9 credit hours for graduate students. Read more and apply – >

White Buffalo Girl Scholarship

Deadline: September 1, 2025. Deadline for 2024-25 graduates is September 30, 2025.
Available specifically to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members nationwide with the field of study open to any type of degree. Students may seek either two-year or four-year degrees. Read more and apply – >

Contact Information

Pat Eichberger, Director of Education
pate@poncatribe-ne.gov

Aubrey Knudsen, Education Administrative Assistant
aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Department of Education
1800 Syracuse Avenue
Norfolk NE 68701
Phone: 402-371-8834
Fax: 402-371-7564