Educational Activities

In addition to the Tribal Education Programs listed on this website, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Education Department also provides a number of educational activities for Tribal children. While some funding limits these activities to enrolled Tribal members only, most often anyone is welcome to attend. Please watch the Little River Currents for detailed information about the events and activities, and keep an eye on your mailbox for flyers and applications for some of these activities. As always, if you hear about an event or activity and have questions about it, please feel free to contact the Education Department.

Education Department Programs

Higher Education Scholarship – Application

This Scholarship is available to any enrolled tribal citizen who is attending a non-profit accredited college or university, has applied for all other available financial aid, and shows unmet need. The summer semester is currently not an eligible semester for this scholarship.

College Book Stipend Program – Application

Enrolled tribal citizens attending a non-profit accredited college or university, depending on the number of credits for which they are enrolled, may receive $200, $300, or $500 to assist in purchasing college textbooks and supplies per semester. This program should be viewed as a reimbursement program as it is not always possible for a student to receive a Book Stipend check before they need to purchase their books. Please print the application in color and submit the original application, not a photocopy.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW) – Application

The MITW is not a tribal program, but the Education Department, in combination with the Enrollment Department will process the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver application for eligible tribal members. Those eligible are ¼ or more blood quantum, 12-month residents of Michigan, and attending a public college or university in Michigan. The MITW covers tuition only. Make sure to include a copy of your Michigan Drivers License or State of Michigan ID, Tribal ID, and if you choose, a copy of your Social Security Card.

Vocational Education Assistance Program – Application

This assistance is available to any enrolled tribal citizen who is attending a state agency-approved or accredited vocational/technical program, has applied for all other available financial aid and shows unmet need. This award can provide up to $4,000 per semester/term/program. Please contact the Education Department to determine if the school you are considering will qualify.

Tutoring Assistance Program – Application

This program provides up to $500 to assist with the costs of a qualified and approved tutor for enrolled tribal citizens that meet program eligibility requirements. There are a limited number of tutoring assistance grants per year which will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis to eligible applicants. The Education Department asks that all tribal citizens access any free tutoring programs available in your area through the school, our department, or other agencies.
Program eligibility requirements: Elementary students must be functioning at one grade level or more below grade level in reading and/or math. Middle school and high school students must be failing two or more classes.
Tutor qualification requirements: Tutors for tutees in elementary school must have completed one year of full-time college-level courses that must include a math course and a teaching reading course. Tutors for tutees in high school and middle school must have completed one year of full-time college-level courses that must include at least one college-level course in the subject area for which they will be tutoring.
Documentation for program eligibility requirements and tutor qualification requirements must be submitted with the application.

LRBOI Student Services
Students enrolled in pre-school through 12^th grade in January of a given year, are eligible for student services.  Services include School Clothing/Activities assistance, which is currently $500, to be spent on either activity such as sports, camps, band, regalia, or other activities in which students participate, and school clothing.  To apply for school clothing and/or activities, please print and complete the LRBOI Student Services School Clothing/Activities application available below.  Our budget year does NOT follow the school year.  This program is available from January 1 of a given year to December 1 of the same year.  When you send the application, please attach receipts from the previous year’s funding.  In 2021, you may have already submitted your 2020 receipts.  If so, please note that when you send in the application.  When you receive your 2021 funding, hang on to the school clothing receipts to submit with the 2022 School Clothing/Activities application. If you are using part or all of the funds for activities, you will need to submit a receipt to receive reimbursement or a bill or invoice for us to pay the vendor.  The receipt or bill/invoice must be submitted with the request.  Funding used for school clothing, receipts are due when you reapply for the next calendar year funds, so between January 1 and December 1.

LRBOI Student Services School Clothing/Activities Application – Application

LRBOI Student Services Driver’s Training Assistance$250 is available for assisting with driver’s training expenses.  Send a letter with the student’s name, address, and tribal ID number, indicating you are seeking reimbursement or payment for Driver’s Training.  Must include a receipt for reimbursement or bill/invoice for us to pay the vendor.  This is available one-time only

Class Ring

$100 toward a class ring.  Send a letter with the student’s name, address, and tribal ID number, indicating you are seeking assistance for a class ring.  Include receipt for reimbursement, or bill/invoice for us to pay the vendor.  This is available one-time only

Student Services Senior Expenses

$200 toward senior pictures.  Send a letter with the student’s name, address, and tribal ID number, indicating you are seeking reimbursement or payment for senior pictures.  Must include the receipt for reimbursement or bill/invoice for us to pay the vendor.

$125 toward cap&gown/announcements.  This typically is the Josten’s order, so may contain additional items such as extra tassel, class key, hoodie, etc.  Receipt for reimbursement, bill/invoice for payment to the vendor must be included.

These items are available one-time only.

12^th Grade Computer

$1000 for a computer and accessories.  This program is not available to Seniors until January of their senior year.  Submit a letter with the student’s name, address, tribal ID number, indicating you are requesting the 12^th Grade computer funds.  You must attach something that verifies enrollment in 12^th grade- can include grades, or a letter from the school, or something that shows the student is enrolled in 12^th grade.  After the request, the student will receive a check.  Receipts for purchases must be returned within 30 days to LRBOI Education Department, 2608 Government Center Drive, Manistee MI 49660