The Chahta Foundation recently awarded fifteen scholarships totaling $150,000 to Choctaw Nation tribal member students pursuing degrees in fields that benefit the gaming and hospitality industry. The recipients were (left to right) Matthew Brame, Gavin Crouch, Ainsley Abernathy, Karsen Jefferson, Tucker Dry and Sarah Elizabeth Turner.
Milestones celebrated in education and community service
Published January 3, 2025By Christian Chaney
Education
2024 was a successful and rewarding year for education programs. The Adult Education program celebrated its largest graduating class yet, with 166 students. The College Freshman Year Initiative supported 129 students with over $25,000 in funding, while the Higher Education program assisted 12,610 students with over $15 million in financial aid. The Chahta Foundation awarded 273 scholarships totaling $1.8 million, and the Career Development program provided $8 million in support to 9,644 students building their skills and careers.
The STAR (Success Through Academic Achievement) program also saw record-breaking growth, benefiting 6,089 students with 7,191 awards and distributing over $260,000 in funding. High School Student Services saw a 7.98% increase in participation in 2024, with 4,925 students participating. The program mailed and hand-delivered almost 2,000 graduation cords to tribal high school graduates and allocated over $128,000 for reimbursement applications and ACT preparation workshops. Additionally, over 2,200 youth participated in summer camps organized by Youth Events and Activities. Students who attended the camps participated in sports, cultural activities and educational opportunities.
Jones Academy Library was awarded the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) Basic Library Grant. Jones Academy had over 150 enrolled students in 2024, with 74 residential female students and 69 residential male students. Students participated in various events like the Annual Student Art Show, sewing classes with Rowena Roberts, the AISES National Conference in San Antonio, Texas and multiple university visits.
These accomplishments are a product of Choctaw Nation’s ongoing commitment to empowering its members through education and personal development, ensuring brighter futures for students.
Community Service
In 2024, the Choctaw Nation celebrated milestones and took part in several exciting community initiatives.
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) celebrated its 20th anniversary of empowering youth through leadership and service, with approximately 50 alumni and 100 current members coming together to honor this achievement.
Choctaw Nation’s Early Childhood departments hosted their annual food drive, collecting and distributing over 3,100 cans of food across the reservation.
The Meals on Wheels program, coordinated through the Ron Cross Senior Activity Center, helped tribal associates deliver approximately 500 meals across 140 routes in Durant, continuing support for city seniors.
Throughout the year, the Oklahoma Blood Institute holds blood drives at various locations across the reservation. In 2024, OBI received nearly 8,000 donations from the Choctaw Nation Blood Drives.
Additionally, the Choctaw Nation contributed to several community development projects. In partnership with the City of Broken Bow, Choctaw Nation provided over $240,000 toward a $600,000 project to upgrade the Broken Bow Youth Complex with artificial turf, preparing it to host the 2D World Series baseball tournaments starting in 2025. Similarly, a $200,000 contribution to the $600,000+ Poteau Area Recreation Complex (PARC) project will transform the facility into a hub for regional activities, youth sports and cultural events like traditional Choctaw stickball.
These efforts reflect Choctaw Nation’s dedication to strengthening its communities and supporting its members.