ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Cobell Scholarship is about more than just money — it’s about giving Native American students a real chance to pursue their dreams. With only one in eight students receiving any kind of scholarship — and full rides even rarer — this is a significant opportunity. At Northern State University, the Cobell Scholarship has done just that for students like Jaeden Shaving, Alexis Martin, Kenna Webb, Amy LeBeau and DJ Smith.

For Jaeden Shaving, a member of the Mnikȟówožu Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the scholarship has opened doors he didn’t think were possible. Shaving is working toward his master’s degree in educational studies, focusing on secondary education. Thanks to the Cobell Scholarship, he’s been able to pursue goals he didn’t expect.

“I didn’t expect to get a master’s degree when I started college,” Shaving said. “But this scholarship made it possible. It’s given me the chance to focus on school and still have time for my family.”

Living in Aberdeen, Shaving feels thankful that he can balance his education with time spent with loved ones. The Cobell Scholarship has made that possible.

He’s not the only one benefiting from this opportunity. Northern State University has other outstanding Cobell Scholars, each with their own story to tell:

• Alexis Martin has been a Cobell Scholar for the past four years. She’s pursuing a degree in music education, driven by her love for music and the joy of teaching it to others.
• Kenna Webb is studying elementary education, excited about a future where she’ll inspire young students in the classroom.
• Amy LeBeau, a freshman majoring in accounting, is just starting her college journey, and the Cobell Scholarship has already provided a strong foundation for success.
• DJ Smith, majoring in sports administration, is passionate about leadership and sports, ready to make an impact in the world of athletics.

The Cobell Scholarship exists because of Elouise Cobell’s fight for justice. She spent 13 years battling the U.S. government over the mismanagement of Native American trust funds. In 2009, her efforts led to a $3.4 billion settlement, one of the largest in U.S. history. Today, that victory helps students like Shaving, Martin, Webb, LeBeau and Smith go to college, build their futures and become leaders in their communities.

At Northern, these scholars are seizing every chance they get. The Cobell Scholarship isn’t just helping them achieve personal goals — it’s also giving them the freedom to give back, inspire others and make a lasting difference.