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.

The purpose of this scholarship is to promote education and self-sufficiency for members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to strengthen and reinforce tribal sovereignty in all aspects.

Award

The scholarship will be awarded annually over the course of 10 years. The initial amount will be $1,000. If applicants are seeking further educational opportunities that amounts to less than that amount, an additional scholarship may be awarded so that the total of both do not exceed $1,000.

The scholarship money will be paid to the Tribe who will disburse directly to the institution in question. In the event that the individual does not complete his/her educational course or completes it with less than a C average, as determined by a submitted transcript, he/she will be expected to reimburse the scholarship fund. Failure to do this will cause the individual to be in bad standing with the Tribe until the funds are reimbursed.

Eligibility

The Adam Way Memorial Scholarship is available to all enrolled Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members, ages 18-45, currently residing in Nebraska, seeking to further his/her educational opportunities. These opportunities may range from seeking Associate, Bachelor, or Advanced degrees to other types of educational or trade certificates whose eligibility is determined by the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Application

To apply for this scholarship, all prospective applicants are asked to supply the following:

Proof of enrollment with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
An essay explaining how the educational opportunity will be used to help the Tribe
Three written character references (Respondents need to be NON-FAMILY MEMBERS)
A completed financial need form
The Selection Committee may request an in-person or electronic interview.
There is no cost to apply for this scholarship

The application deadline is midnight, June 15. The awardee will be notified by August 1st of his/her acceptance.

Download the Adam Way Memorial Scholarship Application Package