Local Students Attend College Prep Week

Cherokee Nation Foundation (CNF) recently hosted 35 high school juniors and seniors, including six from Sequoyah County, at its annual Cherokee College Prep Institute last week.

County Students attending were Haley Flute, Muldrow High School; William Greer, Roland High School; Alyssa Jones, Muldrow High School; Melanie McHenry, Sallisaw High School; Taite Stites, Sallisaw High School; and Cash Wright, Vian High School.

Students worked closely with 14 university reps from across the nation to explore schools of interest, research scholarship opportunities and navigate the application process.

“For some students, this is their first look at opportunities in higher education, and our staff works hard to help them consider all the possibilities,” said Janice Randall, executive director for CNF. “We teach them about the resources that are available to help them succeed and guide them through the necessary processes so they don’t get overwhelmed. It is beyond rewarding to see them gain confidence throughout the week and take a proactive role in planning for their future.”

The weeklong camp features classroom curriculum developed in cooperation with College Horizons, the U.S. Department of Education and the Princeton Review. Lessons include ACT strategies, essay writing, interview skills and time management.

Outside of the classroom, students worked in small groups and benefited from one-on-one sessions with university recruiters to help them stand out among their peers in the application process.

Students stay in traditional dorms throughout the week and have opportunities to explore the campus to gain a better understanding of what college life is really like. Additional activities include learning to play stickball, movie night, laser tag, a closing reception and a dance.

“Last year’s CCPI was so fun, I knew I had to come back again this year,” said Ty Earp, senior at Welch High School and Cherokee Nation Scholar. “The college admissions process has always seemed so daunting to me, and this week has answered so many questions I’ve had about tuition, application essays and interviews. I feel confident and prepared and am looking forward to what comes next.”

Participating universities included University of California-Los Angeles, University of Central Oklahoma, Duke University, KY-WV-LSAMPS/STEM, Northeastern State University, University of Notre Dame, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania, Pomona College, Rogers State University, Stanford University, Swarthmore College and Yale University.

For more information, contact the Cherokee Nation Foundation at (918) 207-0950 or Janice Randall at jr@cherokeenationfoundation.org.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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