• Introduction
  
  The Stockbridge-Munsee Community contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Labor to administer its own education, employment and training programs.  The Tribe also funds these programs so we can assist students who might not otherwise be assisted.  Some of the requirements in this handbook are needed in order to meet contract specifications; others are designed to meet the circumstances of members of this community.  The goal of these regulations is to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of funds.
  
  In order to keep this handbook a manageable size, it does not cover every regulation associated these programs, nor can it cover every eventuality.  Please contact us if you have questions.  Good luck with your plans.
   

• College and Vocational Assistance
  
  All Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Members, provided they meet program guidelines, will be eligible for financial assistance for post-secondary schooling.
  
  Funding
  
  All funding for these programs is based on the availability of Federal and Tribal allocations and is subject to change annually.  The length of time funding will be available to complete a degree is listed below.  A minimum of 12 credit hours or more per semester is considered full time.  Part-time students will have their funds pro-rated.  Summer school is funded for books and tuition only, not to exceed half a semester's funding, and will count as one half-time semester.

  Degree Level	Length of Eligibility
  Vocational/Associate	5 full-time semesters
  Baccalaureate	10 full-time semesters
  Graduate/Post-Graduate
  2-year program < 60 cr.	5 full-time semesters
  3-year program > 60 cr.	7 full-time semesters
  4-year program >120 cr.	9 full-time semesters
  Undergraduate students are eligible for 10 full-time semesters overall regardless of undergraduate degree(s) being pursued or how long it takes to acquire that degree. Students are expected to complete a vocational/associate degree within 5 full-time semesters or a bachelor's degree within 10 full-time semesters; however, the time required to pursue an associate degree will be deducted from the overall 10 full-time semesters of eligibility.  Should the student begin his/her education at a 2-year institution (community college, Tribal college or vocational/technical college) in pursuit of an associate degree and then chooses to pursue a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution (or vice versa), any funding provided at that point will count towards the overall 10 full-time semester limit regardless of whether a degree was granted at that time or not.  For example, if a student uses 5 full-time semesters to complete a vocational/associate degree, then he/she has 5 full-time semesters remaining to complete a bachelor's degree; if the student uses 6 full-time semesters to complete a vocational/associate degree, the he/she has 4 semesters left to complete a bachelor's degree, and so on. NOTE:  Individuals demonstrating a physician-documented illness/injury may be considered for additional funding, beyond the 10 full-time semester limit if such schooling is necessary to become re-employable. The Stockbridge-Munsee Education Board will make a determination in such cases. The current maximum awards are: 2-year college/vocational full-time $2,625/semester Beginning Fall '06 Semester 4-year college, undergraduate full-time $5,000/semester   Graduate and Post-Graduate full-time $6,670/semester   How to Apply The Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) is required for all financial aid, even if you have no financial need.  The form is available from this link or you may obtain it from high school counselors, colleges, technical institutes and the Education Department.  It is to your advantage to file it before March 1st of each year. The Stockbridge-Munsee Education, Employment, and Training Application is due in the Education Department by June 1, for the fall term and by October 1, for the spring term. New Students:  A letter of acceptance from the school and a copy of a high school transcripts or GED.  If you change schools, we need an acceptance letter from the new school. Continuing Students:  Official Transcripts showing the completed term. Wisconsin Residents Attending School in Wisconsin:  The Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant. Selection Criteria In times of shortage of education funds, a priority order has been established: Continuing current students New students Part-time students Students for whom the educational institution has made a determination of no financial need Students who are repeating a degree level Students who have their educational expenses paid for by the Tribe, IHS, or fellowships are not eligible for funding. Continued Funding Requirements Students must successfully complete the classes they receive funding for.  If students misuse grants, complete fewer classes than the are funded for, withdraw from classes, or fail to maintain an adequate GPA, they must repay the funds to the Education Department.  The Education Department will seek reimbursement.  Future educational assistance is also dependent upon repayment. GPA Requirements Undergrad/Vocational Less than 1.0 - repay grant Less than 2.0 - one term probation Over 2.0 - continue funding Graduate/Post-Grad Less than 1.0 - repay grant Less than 2.0 - one term probation Over 2.0 - continue funding If the required GPA is not attained during the probationary period, funding will not be authorized until it is attained. Other Information Any expense prior to attending school will be the student's responsibility.  This includes admission/application fees, housing deposit, transportation costs, and any other school-related fees. Once the new school year has begun, no grants for the prior year will be made. Official transcripts must be sent to the Education Department upon completion of each semester in order to verify you have completed your coursework. Information, such as transcripts and financial statements, which is sent to the Education Department is kept confidential.  Other information may be released. New Students:  Consult with a counselor from your school or the Education Department to ensure that career goals are appropriate for you. Another source of education information for Wisconsin is www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu. Other Sources of Financial Aid Student loans are available for Tribal members.  Call the Mohican Loan Department at (715) 793-4852 for details. Check with your school's financial aid office for scholarships that are unique to your school, location or area of study.  The Education Department also maintains a binder of available scholarships. The Internet can also be a source of information, one of the best sites is http://www.fastweb.com. Tax Information: If you receive an educational grant, it may be considered income by the IRS.  However, the Tribe will not file a 1099-MISC for these grants or scholarships, as long as we do not expect any services in return as a condition of the grant.  As a general rule, the income is not taxable if the student is a degree candidate and the money is spent on tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, i.e. direct school expenses. Grant money spent on room, board, transportation, etc. is considered taxable.  More information can be found in IRS Publication 520 or visit www.irs.ustreas.gov.

• Adult Education
  
  The Adult Education Program is available to adult Indians in Bartelme or Red Springs, excluding Middle Village and including Bowler and Gresham and Stockbridge-Munsee adults.  It can assist with GED classes, GED testing, and occupational skills to obtain or maintain employment.  It does not assist with conference fees or classes not directly connected to the students employment.
  
  Additional Adult Education Services
  
  Tribal members are eligible for assistance with individual courses at accredited/certified institutions.  This covers books and tuition only and is limited to one course per semester.  Assistance is limited to $800 a semester, and a lifetime total of 10 classes per person.
  
  To Receive Aid
  
  1.  Fill out Stockbridge-Munsee Education, Employment and Training Application.  All requests must be received by the Education Department before the class begins.
  
  2.  Provide the Education Department with a copy of your registration and invoice for the course in a timely manner.  See more information under fund distribution.
  
  3.  Provide a copy of your grade report or certificate of completion at the end of the course.  See expectations.
  
  Fund Distribution
  
  Adult Education funding is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you expect the class to be pre-paid, the application, registration, and invoice should be in our office two weeks before the tuition is due.  In such cases, funds will be paid directly to the school.
  
  Expectations
  
  Students are expected to successfully complete all courses and to provide the Education Department with a copy of their grades or certification of successful completion at the end of the course.  Students who do not earn a "C" or better, or students who withdraw from the class too late for the Education Department to receive a full refund, must repay the funds they were given.  Credit will be given for partial refunds.
   

• Supported Work Services
  
  Work Experience
  
  Adult Indians living in Bartelme or Red Springs, excluding Middle Village and including Bowler and Gresham, may be
  eligible to gain work experience.  This will assist clients who need work experience or occupational skills by arranging short-term employment.  This service is available dependent upon applicant need and potential employer's ability to provide employment for the applicant.  Applicants must be prepared to complete the training and accept employment, if available, after the training period.
  
  On-The-Job-Training
  
  Adult Indians living in Bartelme or Red Springs, excluding Middle Village and including Bowler and Gresham, may be eligible for on-the-job-training.  This will assist clients who need work experience or occupational skills by arranging more permanent employment.  This service is available dependent upon applicant need and the potential employer's  ability to provide permanent employment for the applicant beyond the subsidized period.  Applicants must be committed to completing the training. 
   

• Supportive Services
  
  Unemployed and underemployed adult Indians living in Bartelme or Red Springs, excluding Middle Village and including Bowler and Gresham, may be eligible for assistance with work-related requirements such as gaming licenses, work clothes, tools, or commercial driver's licenses.  The client must complete at least 60 days of employment, after receiving the assistance.  If client voluntarily leaves the place of employment or is terminated from the job before completing at least 60 days of employment, he/she will be required to pay the amount received.  The amount of the assistance is determined according to actual need but is not to exceed $250 per client annually.  To apply please call our office.  Applicants must provide proof of employment and need.
   

• Other Tribal Services
  
  Employment and Training Services
  
  The Education Department may also provide services such as: career counseling, job search, and employment assistance.
  
  Youth Employment
  
  Youth employment is a year round program for enrolled at-risk Indian youth ages 14-21 who live in Bartelme or Red Springs excluding Middle Village and including Bowler and Gresham, who meet income guidelines.  The youth employment program focuses on leadership development opportunities that encourage responsibility, employability, and other positive social behaviors.
  
  Summer Youth
  
  Summer youth is a short-term program that includes classroom training and work-experience components for Stockbridge-Munsee enrolled youth ages 14-18.  Direct descendants may participate on a space available basis, chosen by lottery.  Applications are available in the spring at Bowler and Gresham schools and the Education Department.  Participants are paid a stipend at the end of the program.
  
  Student Extracurricular Assistance
  
  Stockbridge-Munsee enrolled children who attend school and qualify for the free and reduced lunch program are eligible for assistance with the following expenses:
  
  Music Instrument Rental Fees:  Must be participating in a school music program.  Costs are limited to $1,000 per child.
  
  Athletic Shoes:  Student must be participating in an organized extracurricular sport.  Limited to $75 per student per year.
  
  Half The Cost of Summer Camp Fees, Workshops, and School Trips:  Limited to $300 per student per year.
  
  To Receive Payment
  
  Fill out Student Extracurricular Assistance Application, available from the Education Department or the Indian Student Counselor at Bowler School.  Provide receipt, proof of registration, and eligibility as required.
   

• Appeal Procedure
  
  For all Programs:
  In order to initiate an appeal of a denial of funding, follow the steps outlined below:
  
  1.  Ask Education Director to reconsider the decision.  This appeal must be made in writing within 20 calendar days of the denial.
  
  2.  If the student is denied again, the case may be appealed to the Tribal Administrator in writing within 20 calendar days of the second denial.
  
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