Cite as: 70 CNCA § 903

A. The Council authorizes no less than $1 million each fiscal year beginning in FY 2026 from revenue earmarked by the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, for healthcare and public health related workforce development, prioritized and administered by Cherokee Nation Education Services without geographic residency limitation of the applicant or participant, including:

1. A program supporting youth health and public career exploration for Cherokee Nation citizens, into any college degree-based health care industry career, or any other college degree-based career within the meaning of “Public Health and Wellness Activity” under PHWA, the budget of which should not exceed 25% of the total appropriated or otherwise available funds for this Section of the Act.

2. An academic merit-based scholarship program supportive of students pursuing any college degree-based health care industry career, or any other college degree-based career within the meaning of “Public Health and Wellness Activity” under PHWA, provided

3. In determining “merit” within the meaning of this program, Education Services may consider academic grades, standardized tests, relevant work experience and the relatively likelihood that the applicant, upon graduation, will work within a relative professional field within a geographic area relevant to the relevant labor market of the Cherokee Nation reservation, provided:

4. The evaluation and ranking of applicants shall be conducted according to policies and procedures adopted by Education Services that favors anonymity of applicants and reduces bias to the greatest degree possible.

5. Such administrative expenses as necessary to meet the purposes and policies of this section, not to exceed 15% of the of the total appropriated or otherwise available funds for this Section of the Act.

Historical Data

LA 04-26, eff. January 12, 2026.