Education provides our foundation for success

Over the course of the past four decades, we have seen firsthand the determination, resolve and success of the Chickasaw Nation and Chickasaw people. Year after year, we see inspiring stories of talented, hardworking Chickasaws making a difference in their communities, families and fellow Chickasaws. One of the most vital ways we continue to build a strong, prosperous future is through education, a longtime pillar of the Chickasaw Nation.

Education has always been a cornerstone of our tribe and continues to be a life changing pathway to success. From our rich history of preserving our language, traditions and values to the present day, education has empowered the Chickasaw people to thrive. It gives our children the tools to succeed, adults the skills to advance in their careers, and enables communities to continue to grow and innovate.

The Chickasaw Nation offers numerous educational opportunities, for both youth and adults, to ensure that every citizen has the chance to reach their full potential. Whether it is through higher education grants and scholarships, which assists students with tuition and other related costs, or career and technical training programs that provide specialized skills, these resources are integral to our community’s success.

Just last year, our higher education and career technology programs awarded more than 5,700 Chickasaw students with approximately $32.1 million in scholarships and other educational support. Likewise, the student support program awarded more than $1.2 million in financial assistance to more than 3,500 college and career technology students for household costs such as rent, utilities and more.

But education is about more than just books and classrooms. It is also about building character, learning the value of hard work and finding the strength and support of a community. It is about developing a sense of pride for achieving an important milestone, and the legacy of success one can carry with them upon reaching their goals, as many Chickasaws will do by graduating next month.

We can be proud of our progress as a tribe and our ability to offer numerous educational resources, but there is always more to be done. Together, we will continue to empower our leaders of today so they may empower our leaders of tomorrow through education.

As we look to the future, we will continue to invest in education for all Chickasaws and for the future of our tribe. By investing in education, we are building a future where Chickasaws can pursue their dreams and have the skills to excel in a rapidly changing world.

Education is the foundation upon which we will continue to build, and together, we will ensure that the Chickasaw Nation remains strong for generations to come.