Deadline: September 30, 2025 for the 2025-26 school year
A new merit-based scholarship opportunity has recently become available. This means that the primary consideration in awarding this scholarship is based on the student’s academic performance of a 3.2 GPA or higher!
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.
Funding will generally be awarded on a “first-come, first-serve” basis with students having all required paperwork submitted. However, preference will be given to students who were ineligible through the tribe’s education department for the 2025-2026 school year.
About the Scholarship:
This scholarship has been established as of July of 2025 by an anonymous donor. The donor has agreed to provide $20,000.00 for a merit-based scholarship to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska students nationwide.
The amount awarded per student will range from $1,000.00 up to $4,000.00 per school year depending on the student’s cost of attendance.
Purpose/Goal:
The main purpose of this scholarship is to recognize students who are excelling academically with providing post-secondary and graduate students with the means to further their education and help ease financial burden.
Eligibility:
- An enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska; and
- A full-time student enrolled in one of the following types of programs:
- An associate/two-year program
- A baccalaureate/four-year program
- A graduate degree program
- The student must have a 3.2 GPA or higher to qualify.
Application Process
All prospective applicants must submit the following:
- Completed Application
- Signed Contract of Understanding
- Financial Need Form (top part completed by student; bottom, by Financial Aid)
- Verification of enrollment in the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
- Final high school transcripts for first year students; most recent transcripts for all other students.
For more information and to apply: Download the Application Packet