Cankdeska Cikana (Littlehoop) Community College on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation awarded seven more Bdecan Presbyterian scholarships in the fall of 2017. You have made 19 scholarships possible in just three semesters! Here are the latest recipients:
Kyle hopes to receive his certificate in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration this spring. This scholarship will help with transportation costs, which are a common challenge on the reservation. Kyle is a member of a family with a long history in Bdecan Presbyterian Church.
“As for my career goals I’m going to look for a job in the HVAC/R industry and work my way up and hopefully one day I can run my own HVAC/R business here on the reservation.”
Lakeisha plans to finish her associate’s degree in social work this May and has already begun online coursework for her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of North Dakota. She hopes to earn her license and work for Spirit Lake Tribal Social Services.
“I’ve always had such a strong passion to become a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker since I was in the 7th grade. With this scholarship, I will receive a contribution to one of two college bills I have.”
Joe is working toward an associate’s degree in May 2019 and looking ahead to a bachelor’s degree from Mayville State University. His goal is to open his own business in carpentry, heating and cooling, and home remodeling, and he articulated a clear path to that goal.
“Since I have enrolled at Cankdeska Cicana I have learned a lot from my instructors and course material. It has increased my self-esteem and was the best decision I made for myself.”
Since receiving a scholarship in fall 2016, Alison has given birth to her second child, continued to work outside the home, and earned the credits necessary to finish the Office Technology Program this spring. She then hopes to continue toward an associate’s degree in business administration.
“With the help of the scholarship, I would be able to work more towards getting all my credits I need and not have to put in so much hours at work. It would help in so many ways.”
Stanley, who first received a scholarship in fall 2016, continues to work toward his goal of building homes.
“I hope to get into the construction field and build housing for the reservation. I would like to be a positive influence on the younger generation.”
Amanda has just finished her third semester at CCCC with the help of her third Bdecan scholarship. The mother of an eight-year-old son, she works full-time at Spirit Lake Health Center and attends classes in the evenings. Amanda is on track to earn her associate’s degree in business administration in May 2019.
“I strive to do the best I can every day and if it can’t be done I will continue to make up for it.”
Jefferey is another three-time scholarship recipient.
“I was surprised to be accepted into the voices of our ancestors program. Which is meant to preserve the Dakota language. I am glad that I was not the only one who thought that the language should be preserved. There are many more like minded people not only here in our community but other Dakota communities as well.”