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The Seneca Diabetes Foundation (SDF), founded by Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder Sr., announced today that the organization is now accepting applications for its scholarship & paid internship programs.
The endowed programs, which consist of five scholarships for college students and four paid internships for high school students, are specific to Seneca Nation members and families to provide financial aid in the pursuit of their college/university degree in the fields of health or social services. Students can get more information, applications and criteria by visiting www.senecadiabetesfoundation.org or by calling 716-532-4900. Applications are due by July 7, 2006. Information will be available on the website by June 1st. The winners will be announced on July 31st.
The fight against diabetes is a very important effort for the Seneca Nation of Indians given the disease affects approximately 50 percent of their population, more than any other ethnic group. The SDF, a separate entity from the Seneca Nation of Indians, was founded by Snyder in 2005 to provide educational opportunities, outreach, prevention awareness and fund research to improve the lives of Seneca Nation Members affected by diabetes.
Scholarships include:
- Barry and Deanna Snyder, Sr. Chairman’s Scholarship: $10,000 for a two year commitment; this scholarship will focus on students who have experience in a leadership position.
- Maurice and Karen John Treasurer’s Scholarship: $5,000 awarded annually. The recipient will have demonstrated situations where he or she has played an integral role in a teamwork setting.
- Seneca Gaming Corporation Scholarship: $5,000 awarded annually to a student who has shown to have a commitment to community service and volunteerism.
- Ruth Goode Nursing Scholarship: Open only to students pursuing a degree in nursing, the recipient of this $5,000 scholarship awarded annually will have demonstrated qualities that Ruth Goode embodied throughout her long and illustrious career.
- Geraldine Memmo Scholarship: For students who have shown an interest in Seneca and/or Native American history. $5,000 will be awarded annually to a student who demonstrates knowledge about the Seneca peoples’ rich and diverse heritage (funded in part by Blue Cross ad Blue Shield of Western New York and Michael Militello and Family).
Summer internships will partner with the Seneca Nation Health Department’s outreach and prevention program as well as with SDF. High school students (two from the Cattaraugus and two from the Allegany reservations) in good academic standing will be eligible for three-month program and receive a $1,000 stipend.
"In order to continue to make strides against this disease, I'm asking Nation members and community partners to work together to help make life better for those who are affected by diabetes and to help prevent it in our future generations," said Barry E. Snyder, Sr. "This is just the beginning of program development that will include education and critical research. These scholarship opportunities enable our people to make it their life's work to help fight this dreaded disease, which will benefit those of non-Native American descent as well."
The Scholarship Program was unveiled at the inaugural Seneca Diabetes Foundations’ Chairman’s Ball, held on February 11, 2006 at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel Events Center.
For information contact: Susan Asquith, 842.2222, #324
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