BY BRITTNEY BENNETT
EDITOR
TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Housing Department is now accepting applications for its College Student Rental Assistance Program, or CSRAP, for the fall 2020 semester until Aug. 18. The program awards up to $2,000 per semester towards housing costs to exclusive UKB students taking at least 12 semester hours at an accredited institution.
Funds are operated on a first-come, first-serve basis that is subject to availability of funds, which from the tribe's Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act funding.
Funds can be used for either on or off campus housing.
Once approved, funds will be dispersed directly to the student’s college or university in one lump sum if they choose to live on campus for the semester.
For students who reside off campus, monthly payments will be made directly to the landlord.
If a student moves during the semester, the institute or landlord must return a prorated amount to the Housing Department.
Funds are currently only available for students who live within the UKB’s nine-county jurisdiction, though those students can use the funds for colleges or universities that are out of state. Members of other federally recognized tribes will be assisted after all UKB members are served. Students must submit a completed application with copies of their tribal membership card, social security card and driver’s license. Financial aid, income verification of all household members, a class schedule and an official transcript are also required to complete the application. Students who are living off campus will also need to supply tax returns, a property lease agreement and a W-9.
Students who are re-applying for funding must provide a copy of their previous semester grades and must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible. For more information or to receive an application, contact Housing Director Nanci McCause at 918-316-8795 or via email at nmccause@ukb-nsn.gov, or Housing Administrative Assistant Tishaleta Guevara at 918-871-2855 or via email at tguevara@ukb-nsn.gov.
