CHEROKEE, April 21, 2008 -- Cherokee Preservation Foundation and the families of the late Principal Chief Leon Jones and James Bowman announced today the Jones-Bowman Leadership Award Program. In addition to offering annual scholarships of approximately $4,000, the new program will provide excellent opportunities for participants to build their leadership skills. The deadline for applications is June 1.
The program honors the memory and leadership of Principal Chief Leon Jones and Mr. James Bowman, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and founding members of the Board of Directors of Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Jones-Bowman Leadership Awards will be made each year to undergraduate students committed to developing their leadership capabilities. In addition to receiving funding of approximately $4,000 annually (for up to four years of undergraduate study) beyond EBCI scholarships and other financial aid, those chosen to be Jones-Bowman Fellows will create an individual leadership learning program that will include activities such as special academic enrichment and tutoring programs, U.S. and foreign travel, conferences, leadership development training, mentoring experiences and sponsored volunteer service.
To be eligible, applicants must be an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, be pursuing formal academic study and enrolled in at least six hours of undergraduate study each term, have an acceptance letter from the chosen academic institution (or a copy of the college transcript if they are already an enrolled student), and show an interest in community service and leadership.
“The Jones-Bowman Award program provides an unusual and wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills and experiences during the years of undergraduate study,” said Susan Jenkins, executive director of Cherokee Preservation Foundation. “This learning program is based on the Cherokee tradition of leadership and is about caring for others and giving back to the community. For undergraduates students who are going right from high school to college, or who have been seasoned by work or other experiences in between, the Jones-Bowman Award will be very meaningful to them, and ultimately to the entire Tribe.”
“Leon could see that with an education and leadership skills, young people will lead the Eastern Band of Cherokees through time, and the Tribe will survive and prosper,” said Janice Jones, the wife of the late Principal Chief Leon Jones. “I’m pleased by the legacy the Jones-Bowman program establishes for Leon and for Mr. Bowman. They were both good leaders and people who cared so much about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”
To apply, get guidelines and an application form from Cherokee Preservation Foundation’s web site at
www.cpfdn.org/jonesbowman.html , or pick them up at the Foundation’s office at 71 John Crowe Hill Rd. More information about the benefits, requirements and schedule associated with the Jones-Bowman Award Program are on the web site.
About Cherokee Preservation Foundation
Cherokee Preservation Foundation (www.cpfdn.org) was established on November 14, 2000, as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact between the EBCI and the State of North Carolina. It is an independent nonprofit foundation funded by the EBCI from gaming revenues generated by the Tribe. CPFdn is not part of or associated with any for-profit gaming entity. Since CPFdn’s inception in 2000, it has made 447 grants totaling more than $37 million to EBCI and regional projects and programs that address cultural preservation, economic development and job creation, and environmental renewal and protection. Every dollar of CPFdn support has been matched by $1.38 in secured grants or other funding or in-kind resources, making CPFdn’s total contribution to the region more than $89 million.
