Higher Education

Mission statement: The Tribal Education Department is dedicated to supporting educational goals by providing services to develop continuous lifelong learning; while enhancing knowledge in the Ho-Chunk culture and language.

The purpose of the Winnebago Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program (WSFAP) is to provide eligible members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska with financial assistance to complete their educational goals. This opportunity provided with the intent those recipients, upon graduation or the completion of their course of studies will return to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska community to utilize their learning to benefit the continuing development of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
All applicants shall have exhausted any and all funding sources for education assistance before tribal money is awarded, as the last source of funding.

Click the link to download the Winnebago Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program (WSFAP) application:

Deadline Dates:
Fall/Summer – April 15th
(Returning students must complete a new application for the new academic year)
Winter/Spring – October 15th

Must have the following required documents turned in before determination of eligibility is made:

WSFAP Application
Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)
Letter of Admission
Completed Financial Needs Analysis form (Must complete your FAFSA)
High School/College Official Transcripts
Class schedule and completed Education Plan

Academic Excellence Incentive Policy: Article 23 of the Policy
Grade incentives will be determined by the following scale:

4.0 GPA $400
3.5 – 3.9 GPA $350
3.0 – 3.4 GPA $300
2.5 – 2.9 GPA $250
(Based on availability of funding each fiscal year)

Higher Education Program Staff:

Patrice Bass – Director – email
Rana Merrick – Community Education Outreach Specialist – email
Rita Payer- Office Associate – email
You may also email: [email protected]

Phone # 402-878-2631 Fax#402-878-2637 - 916 N Mission Drive - Winnebago Nebraska, 68071