HEEF approves $231,535 in scholarships

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. - On Aug. 1, the Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) Executive Committee voted unanimously to approve funding for the Hopi Tribe Grants & Scholarship Program (HTGSP) in the amount of $231,535.00 for the Fall 2009 term during its third quarter meeting.

In an uncertain economic climate that has many companies and organizations across the nation cutting costs, the Committee took a look at its financial position and exercised its fiduciary responsibility by directing HEEF staff to cut its annual budget by 10 percent. The reduction will affect programs such as the HTGSP.

HEEF President Cedric Kavena stated, "The HEEF is once again pleased to award a substantial amount to the HTGSP. With continuing tuition increases, student populations, and ever increasing educational needs we realize that this is not always enough to meet the increasing financial needs of our students. However, the recent approval of funding for fall 2009 semester clearly demonstrates the HEEF's commitment to Hopi students, and we are taking steps to limit the affects while still being fiscally responsible and ensuring funding is available for future generations of Hopi students."

Upon receipt of the funds, the HTGSP program administrator will determine the award amounts, followed by distribution of the funds to the students. Many of them will begin their fall term within the next few weeks.

HEEF Executive Director LuAnn Leonard stated, "As we all face tough economic conditions, it is the desire of the [Committee] for the funds granted to HTGSP to be utilized to serve as many Hopi students as possible. The HEEF would like to congratulate and encourage all recipients on a successful semester."

Since 2001, the HEEF has granted more than $4.7 million in financial support to the HTGSP for a variety of scholarships and grants. The HEEF is a non-profit entity of the Hopi Tribe and was established to provide a perpetual source of funding for the education for the Hopi people. Any contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For more information, call (928) 734-2275, visit www.hopieducationfund.org, or e-mail heef@hopieducationfund.org.

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