The Tribe’s fund supports its team members’ educational goals
The cultural values and beliefs that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hold dear inspired the SMBMI Team Member Dependent Scholarship Fund. The fund, which awards scholarships of $3,000 to $10,000 to students planning to attend local two- and four-year colleges and trade schools, reinforces the Tribe’s support of education initiatives in the region.
“The IECF scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and engage in the college experience,” says recipient Noah Lewis, the son of Daniel Lewis, assistant manager of transportation at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “Having the ability to go to a four-year university and pursue my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer has been an amazing opportunity.”
Team member dependents submit applications online, and IECF verifies applications, grants awards, and distributes the monies.
“The Tribe continues to be strategic with their giving efforts and is always thinking of ways to help their team members grow,” SMBMI Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena says. “The SMBMI partners with IECF because of the foundation’s reputation and ability to manage assets that impact individuals in the community.”
Learn more about how we can make your philanthropic goals a reality – contact our Charitable Giving Department today!
This story originally appeared in our 2022/2023 Annual Report.
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