Higher Education Self-Sufficiency Program

Sault Tribe Higher Education Self-Sufficiency 2022 fall (grades)

APPLICATION CHECKLIST
All applications must include the following information:
Must have the following documents:
• Completed Higher Education Self-Sufficiency Application
• W-9 form
• Copy of current student’s tribal card
• Grade report for fall 2022 term only. Must have students name on the grade report.
• Please note that pictures of documents will not be accepted. All documents submitted for verification must have student’s name and school of attendance contact information. Do not request school to email grade report (I am not able to open the email)

Complete application & email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Deadlines
APPLICATION DUE ON OR BEFORE 11:59 p.m. on JANUARY 31, 2023

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

NOTICE: Due to privacy laws in the Higher Education Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Universities are not able to share student account information back to us directly. They are able to share student account information with the student if they request their own information and that information needs to be turned into the Sault Tribe Higher Education Department. The Sault Tribe is no longer responsible for collecting information. We are also unable to provide any information on student accounts, scholarships, etc. to anyone other than the student directly.

ALL documents MUST be submitted to:
Sault Tribe Higher Education
ATTN: Diane McLeod-Maleport
2 Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Any Questions email Diane or call 906‑635‑7784.

Checklist, Application and W-9 form

Links: 

The Higher Education official Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/STHEupdated2022
Sault Tribe Higher Education Facebook page Updated 5/2022

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will scholarships applications be posted on the website?
Answer: June 1, 2022

When is the deadline for scholarships?
Answer: July 16, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

When will grants (unmet need) applications be posted on the website?
Answer: Aug. 20, 2022

When is the deadline for grants (unmet need)?
Answer: Sept. 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

When will the self-sufficiency applications be posted on the website?
Answer: Dec. 1, 2022

When is the deadline date of the self-sufficiency application?
Answer: January 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Where do I get a tuition waiver form?
Answer: Sault Tribe Enrollment Department website has this information. Here is the link:
Request for Tuition Waiver Form

To be eligible for the MITW
1. You must qualify for admission at one of Michigan’s public colleges or universities
2. You must be one-quarter or more Native American blood quantum as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department
3. You must be an enrolled citizen of a U.S. federally recognized tribe as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department
4. You must be a legal resident of the state of Michigan for no less than 12 consecutive months. You must provide the following documentation with your MITW application: a photocopy of your Michigan driver’s license or state-issued Michigan ID card AND a photocopy of your tribal ID

What do I need to do to get started with the Tuition Waiver?

STUDENT: To apply for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW), you must:
1. Complete the Student Section of the MITW Application. Be sure to attach copies of the required items {with asterisks (*) and noted in RED}
2. Submit the MITW application and all required documents to your Tribal Enrollment Department, requesting certification as indicated in “To be completed by tribe”
3. Must pay $15 to Sault Tribe Enrolment Department for tuition waiver
4. To ensure that your entire application, including the tribally-certified section and accompanying documents are submitted to Sault Tribe Enrollment Department for verification. Sault Tribe Enrollment will submit the documents to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) after they complete their section of the application. All signatures on the forms must be original; electronic signatures are not accepted
5. Michigan Indian Tuition waiver will respond back to you with a letter of approval

Where do I turn in the tuition waiver form?
Answer: Email Sault Tribe Enrollment Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax 906‑632‑1648.

How do I transfer my tuition waiver from one college to another?
Answer: Call Melissa Kiesewetter at 517‑241‑7748. She will help you change to another college or university in Michigan

Do I have to request a tuition waiver every year?
Answer: No, as long as you haven’t changed your college or university from your first requested

Can I use the tuition waiver for a Master’s or doctoral degree?
Answer: Yes, only for public colleges or universities in Michigan

Is there a limit on how long I can use the tuition waiver?
Answer: No, it can be used as long as you want to attend public college or university in Michigan

Where do I get a Blood Degree Form (Blood Quantum Form)?
Answer: Sault Tribe Enrollment Department website on the information tab you can find the link “Request for Blood Degree Form”
1. Complete the Blood Degree Form
2. Email to Sault Tribe Enrollment Department to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Must pay $15 to Sault Tribe Enrollment Department for blood degree application
4. Sault Tribe Enrollment will complete and sent you a letter by mail

Where do I turn in the Blood Degree Form?
Answer: Email Sault Tribe Enrollment Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax to 906‑632‑1648

How do I renew my tribal card?
Answer: At the Sault Tribe Enrollment Department its best to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a renewal or new copy

What are the fees for the following?
Answer:
Card Renewal for Expired Card: $5
Replacement of Unexpired Card: $20
Tuition Waiver Certification: $15
Blood Quantum Certification: $15

Forms of payment
Money orders (made out to Sault Tribe Enrollment Department)
Credit/Debit card (Discover, Master Card, VISA)
Cash
Sorry, no personal checks

Contact Us:

Higher Education:
906‑635‑7784
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Higher Education Grants Program Available to Tribal Members

Resource Information (This is not through the Sault Tribe Education Dept.)

The Bureau of Indian Education’s (BIE) Higher Education Grant Program is not an entitlement program. It is important for you to become familiar with the requirements of the BIE’s Grant program college admission requirements, as well as your tribe’s eligibility terms and the relationship between these programs and offices. Completing admission and financial aid packages is time-consuming and requires your undivided attention to successfully complete them. The information below is intended to help you understand the resources available to you.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT?
The purpose of the BIE’s Higher Education Grant Program is to provide supplemental financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native scholars entering college who are seeking an associate or baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited institution.

GRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCES
The BIE administers a grant program through the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) that offers supplementary financial assistance for students pursuing post-baccalaureate degree programs.
The criteria for a student to apply for a grant are:
1. Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe in the United States.
2. Pursue a masters or doctorate degree as a full-time student at an accredited graduate school in the United States.
3. Apply for campus-based financial aid through the federal financial aid process at the college by June 1.

Since 1969, the AIGC has served American Indian graduates in all fields of study. First time applicants are assessed a non-refundable application fee of $15. Applications must be received within the AIGC’s required timeframes. Additional information is available from the following address and telephone number: American Indian Graduate Center, 3701 San Mateo Blvd NE, Suite 200, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110, 505‑881‑4584 or toll free at 800‑628‑1920. Additional information is available on the AIGC website: www.aigcs.org. 

LAW STUDENTS
Law students seeking opportunities to enhance their academic success will want to contact the American Indian Law Center, Inc. This organization conducts an eight-week session to prepare potential Indian law students for the rigors of law school. There is an emphasis in the development of skills necessary for success in study habits, legal research and legal writing. This program is primarily for those students that have been accepted into an accredited institution.

For additional information regarding the program and application process, please contact the American Indian Law Center, Inc., P.O. Box 4456, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87196 or call 505‑277‑5462.