San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Awards HEEF $25,000

Focused on areas of Education, Health, Economic Development and Special Projects, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, through their charitable giving program, awarded the Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) $25,000 to be used in support of 13 additional grants and scholarships for Hopi college students for the 2014-2015 Academic Year.

HEEF Executive Director LuAnn Leonard stated, ""The HEEF is honored once again by the generous grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.  As a sister tribe, they understand the importance of higher education and the benefits it can bring to the Hopi tribe.  We are grateful for the support and look forward to a mutually beneficial and positive relationship."

The award will be utilized to support current grants & scholarships awarded through the Hopi Tribe Grants & Scholarship Program primarily the Hopi Education Award which helps to cover student expenses such as tuition, housing and books. Challenged with seeking resources to meet the continued financial needs of Hopi college students resulting from increased tuition costs, stagnant funding levels and an increasing student population, the award will significantly assist the HEEF in impacting and providing additional opportunities for Hopi students. Overall, the $25,000 will not only allow for additional funds to be made available for scholarships, but will also help to ensure a perpetual source of funding will be available for students in the future.

"Pursuing a college education is a huge undertaking and the financial aspect can be challenging as the cost to attain this education continues to rise.  We are grateful to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for this award that will provide additional scholarship opportunities to our college students in these much needed areas.  Their generosity is truly appreciated and will have a significant impact in assisting our students meet their college financial needs," said HEEF President Lois Reynosa-Qumyintewa.