Kayla Jackson
Kayla Jackson, a student at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, was awarded the 2018 Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship, which is given to well-qualified students attending tribal colleges across the country. Scholarship recipients are selected by their college, and funds can be used for any education-related expense, including but not limited to tuition, books, housing, travel and childcare.
Jackson is a graduate of South Ridge High School in Culver, Minnesota, and graduated in May 2018 from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College with an associate of science degree in environmental science. Jackson plans to continue her education by transferring to a four-year college and she has a career goal to work in natural resources.
While attending Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Jackson has been involved in basketball, volleyball, and works in the Environmental Institute. Her work in the Environmental Institute involved a research project about hazelnuts and using geographic information systems to track and determine what worked in the community gardens on campus during the summer growing season. Jackson is involved in the Indigenous Women Visionary fellowship, an effort that works to expand networks and connections among local colleges and plans earth week activities.
Spirit of Sovereignty is a National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA)-advised fund at the Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Little Canada, Minn. The Spirit of Sovereignty receives financial support from NIGA member tribes and associate business members, and from individual contributors who want to make higher education a reality for Native American students. For more information, visit www.spiritofsov.org.