• You must be an enrolled member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
• You must not be enrolled in the Higher Education Grant, Self-Sufficiency, or Tributary/Memorial Scholarship programs during your training period.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED.

• Dual enrolled students will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• If your training does not require a high school diploma or GED, you must obtain an exemption from the Education Director

• You must qualify under Income Guidelines or under Conditional Guidelines.
• You must be attending an accredited training program;

• If your program is not accredited, you are eligible for reimbursement of approved training expenses up to $3,000.00 upon receipt of certification/licensing.

• You must apply for all available Financial Aid through the training provider.
• You must receive a specialized Vocational Degree, Certificate/Certification, Licensing, or Vocational Diploma upon completion of the training.
  

FUNDING APPROVAL

Income Guidelines:

• Maximum funding is $3,000 in a 12 month period.
• Income is based on 200% of the current Health & Human Services poverty guidelines.
• Funding must be used for direct education expenses issued from the training provider (tuition, fees, books, supplies, room & board, etc.)
• Expenses other than those issued by the training provider shall be considered for approval at the discretion of the Education Director.

Conditional Guidelines:

• Maximum funding is $500.00 in a 12 month period.
• Applicants do not have to be at a pre-determined income level.
• Funding must be used for licensing or testing fees, tuition, and other expenses directly related to acquiring or maintaining certification.
• Expenses other than tuition and fees shall be considered for approval at the discretion of the Education Director.
  

AWARD DISBURSEMENT

• Awards will be disbursed according to a payment plan determined by the administrator and training provider for each eligible applicant.
• We DO NOT make payments up front.
  

WAIT LIST
Once we have allocated our funds for the year, applications will be put on a wait list in the event funding becomes available.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submit a Vocational Training application and Follow-up release completed in full (Download application below).
• Attach a copy of your current Tribal Card.
• Attach documentation for training related expenses beyond those issued by the training provider (if applicable).
• Income Guidelines:

• Attach proof of income:

• Two most recent check stubs or proof of unemployment/displacement.
• Supplemental income: state/government aid, etc.
• Fixed payments: pension, retirement, social security, etc.

Submit the Vocational Training Program application completed in full, along with all supporting documents to:

Attn: Education Department-Vocational Training
2 Ice Circle
Sault Ste. Marie MI 49783

OR:
You may fax the application and supporting documents to (906) 635-7785. Please call our office at 1-800-793-0660 (extension 56536) or (906) 635-7784 to confirm receipt of your paperwork.

Click here to download the Vocational Training Program application and supporting documents (43.94 KB 2006-12-07)