The American Indian Student Alliance presented a $10,000 check for matching grant at a Board of Director’s meeting Jan. 7.
The $10,000 grant is matched by the American Indian Education Foundation, totaling $20,000 for the Che’nshish Scholarship.
The Kootenai Tribe gave the club $2,000 that was put toward the Che’nshish scholarship. Che’nshish is a Coeur d’Alene word, meaning “giving.”
Past students gave a business proposal to the Coeur d’Alene Casino.
“The focus of the club is to give students less loans by establishing this scholarship,” said Evanlene Melting Tallow, American Indian Student Adviser.
AISA did not want the student’s cumulative GPA to count against them, so each of their students has an equal opportunity.
There will also be a three-on-three basketball tournament, costing $60 per team Feb. 16. All proceeds will go toward the Che’nshish Scholarship.
AISA fundraised $10,000 in 2012 through events such as: the Che’nshish Golf Scramble, Indian Taco’s and fry bread sale, a Native American Artist silent auction, Inter-tribal Food Feast and Inter-Tribal Show.
The AISA club raised over $25,000 in the last 3 years and will continue to raise funds for the Che’nshish scholarship and for enrolled descended American Indian Students.
“Just because they’re Native American students doesn’t mean they get their college paid for by their tribes. We want spread awareness for a need in financial assistance for these students,” Melting Tallow said.
Due to students now and passed, $60,000 have been raised each year.