SweetGrass Trading Company, a member of Ho-Chunk Trading Group, is proud to support Native students in pursuing higher education. Each year, we award a $1,250 scholarship to an enrolled member of an Indian Tribe attending a 4-year college, community, or technical school. As our sales grow, we hope to expand this opportunity to even more deserving students.
The application for the 2026 Native Scholarship is now open. Interested students can download the application form and criteria here. The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2026. We look forward to reviewing applications and helping Native students achieve their educational goals.
Catching up with last year’s recipient
Jackson Kennedy, the 2025 recipient, is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Last year, he began his studies at the University of Central Missouri, majoring in construction management, while also serving in the Missouri Army National Guard. His dedication to both his education and military service reflects the spirit of the scholarship program.
This year, Jackson shares how the scholarship has impacted his journey:
“The Ho-Chunk Trading Scholarship has helped me tremendously,” he said. “It has allowed me to focus on my studies and advance personally and in my military career. Without it, I would need an additional job, which would take time away from my future.”
Jackson has stayed active in ROTC, recently competing with the Army Ranger Challenge Team and helping his team place second at the regional competition, a first for UCM. He is continuing his construction management coursework and has even enrolled in a summer class to earn his EMT license, inspired by his father’s career in emergency services.
He also offers encouragement for future applicants:
“Work hard, don’t take things too seriously, have some fun, and take pride in your choices,” he said. “Make yourself proud of what you are doing and who you are becoming.”
We are proud to support Jackson and all Native students working to achieve their educational and career goals. If you are an eligible student, we encourage you to apply for the 2026 Ho-Chunk Trading Group Native Scholarship today.