Education Department

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to the vision that through education communities and families flourish. We will encourage individual empowerment and foster tribal prosperity by providing comprehensive educational services and exceptional resources that maintain our cultural values and meet the changing needs of our community. We will promote individual and tribal growth using the future as our goal, the past as our example, and the present as our means of instilling pride in our youth, empowering our families and preserving the knowledge of our elders. We will administer fair and accessible programs that are beneficial to the members, offer positive and valuable activities, and establish an educational center that offers interactive and user-friendly resources. We will also encourage the growth of the greater community through enhanced involvement supported by a department that values knowledge, integrity, change and growth, and whose staff strives for professionalism, fairness and cohesiveness.

Services and Programs:

Higher Education Scholarships (BIA funded):

Tribal members are eligible for Higher Education Scholarships if:

Eligible students may receive scholarships that fulfill their unmet need up to $100 per credit hour for undergraduate and $125 per credit hour for graduate students. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible.

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Higher Education Merit Scholarships (Tribally funded):

Tribal members enrolled in accredited higher educational institutions maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better may receive monetary awards for their academic achievements. The awards are based on a scale for grade point averages ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 and are differentiated by part-time and full-time enrollment status.

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Higher Education Emergency Assistance Fund (Tribally funded):

This program is intended to provide financial assistance in emergency situations to college-enrolled tribal members. Because health concerns, accidents and family emergencies can cause financial strain, often leading to withdrawal from school, this fund is meant to provide assistance on a one-time, case-by-case basis.

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Adult Vocational Training Scholarships (BIA funded-in service area; Tribally funded-out of service area):

Adult Vocational Training Scholarships are available to eligible tribal members pursuing a vocational education. Members must be enrolled in an accredited vocational program and must maintain satisfactory progress throughout the program. The financial scholarships can cover the cost of tuition and other allowable unmet needs up to $5,000.

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Direct Employment (BIA funded-in service area; Tribally funded-out of service area):

This program provides financial assistance to eligible members who are seeking to obtain and retain permanent employment. Members can receive up to $1,000 on a one-time basis to cover allowable expenses associated with finding and obtaining a job.

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K-12 Education Assistance Fund (Tribally funded):

This program offers financial assistance to tribal members enrolled in school for expenses related to educational needs. This fund is limited to one time per academic year and cannot exceed $300. Eligibility is based on household income guidelines and a point system.

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Adult Education (BIA funded):

For those tribal members who possess a minimal education and very basic educational skills, the Adult Education program is available to provide tutoring, instruction, and GED completion. Further inf ormation regarding these services is available from the Education Department.

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Waganakising Odawa Business Technology Training Program (grant funded):

Through a grant from the Department of Education and through an agreement with Bay Mills Community College, the LTBB Education department is able to offer a certificate in clerical technology. Classes are held on-site at the Education Department with resources such as computer labs, books, and tuition/fees provided for each student. Students who qualify may also receive an educational stipend, and child care assistance for attending class.
Contact: Tom Bauer (231) 242-1483 or E-mail: tbauer@ltbbodawa.org

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Tribal Library:

Housed in the Education Department, this library is filled with a collection of library books, CD's, videotapes, and language tapes available for check-out. These materials focus on Native American literature, culture, history, and language.

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The Education Commission consists of the following members:

Chairperson: Patti Dyer-beckrow
ViceChairperson: Alice Yellowbank
Secretary: Rita Shepard
Commissioner: Shirley Oldman

Education Director: Melissa Claramunt (231) 242-1481
Education Specialist: Winnay Wemigwase (231) 242-1482
Project Director WOBTT: Tom Bauer (231) 242-1483
Lead Instructor WOBTT: Hal Dorf (231) 242-1489
Student Services Coordinator: Denise Petoskey (231) 242-1480
Location: 7500 Odawa Circle, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Program Contact Number: (231) 242-1481
Fax Number: (231) 242-1490
E-mail: mclaramunt@ltbbodawa.org