SMSC Announces Endowed Scholarship Recipients

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced 41 new recipients of the SMSC Endowed Scholarship at the University of Minnesota for the 2013-2014 academic year. This scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need.

Since the program began in 2009, 151 students have received SMSC Endowed Scholarships. Based on grades and financial need, 72 of the previous 110 recipients have qualified for continuation of their scholarships in 2013-2014. Seventeen students have graduated thus far.

The SMSC Endowed Scholarship was established through a $2.5 million gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The University of Minnesota matches the interest earned on this endowment fund with proceeds dedicated to providing scholarships for qualified American Indian students. The University's Office for Equity and Diversity administers the scholarship.

The primary goal of the SMSC Endowed Scholarship is to support incoming University of Minnesota freshmen and transfer students who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships may also be awarded to newly admitted graduate and professional students in specific disciplines. For undergraduates, scholarships are renewable for up to four years or until graduation (whichever comes first), contingent upon academic performance. For graduate and professional students, the length of funding is contingent upon the school of enrollment, academic performance, and degree program, and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The 41 new scholarship recipients for the 2013-2014 academic year come from across the United States and from 25 different tribes. Additionally:

• 18 of the students are from Minnesota tribes

• 2 are PhD students; 16 are graduate students; and 25 are undergraduates

• 27 are female; 14 are male

• 19 scholars attend the University of Minnesota Duluth; 12 attend the Twin Cities campus; 8 attend the University of Minnesota Morris; and 1 each attend the Rochester and Crookston campuses

• 8 of the scholars are in the Master of Tribal Administration and Governance program at the University of Minnesota Duluth

• Some of the students’ majors include elementary education, pharmacy, medicine, biology, psychology, American Indian studies, business administration, business management, history, art design, and studio art

For a complete list of the 2013-2014 SMSC Endowed Scholarship recipients, visit http://www.shakopeedakota.org/scholarships/2013recipients.

For application information, visit http://www.shakopeedakota.org/scholarships.html. Application materials received by March 1, 2014, will be given preference for the next academic year. The final deadline is August 1, 2014.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has also donated nearly $272 million to organizations and causes since 1992, funds its own infrastructure, and contributes generously to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.