Wind River Development Fund Builds on Commitment to Native Student Success with Four New Scholarship Awards
Native Excellence Scholarship Program reaches $30,000 in awards since 2024 reflecting a sustained commitment to educational achievement.
Wind River Development Fund (WRDF) has awarded $10,000 in new scholarships through its Native Excellence Scholarship Program, bringing the total amount distributed to $30,000 since the program launched in 2024. Four Native students – Benjamin Butler, Grace Neubauer, Jerel Kohler, and Rhonda Bowers – will each receive $2,500 to support their continued education in agriculture and related fields.
While Butler and Bowers are first-time recipients, Neubauer and Kohler are receiving their third consecutive scholarships, reflecting WRDF’s commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journeys.
Rather than limiting its scholarship program to one-time awards, WRDF has chosen to continue investing in previous recipients who remain enrolled and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. This approach recognizes that completing a college education requires sustained commitment, and that continued financial support can make a meaningful difference in helping students achieve their goals.
“We believe that investing in a student’s education should be about more than helping them get started. It’s also about helping them finish and find rewarding careers,” said Erika Warren-Yarber (Northern Arapaho), Chief Operating Officer of WRDF, who oversees the scholarship program. “We’re proud to continue supporting Grace and Jerel as they advance their education, and equally excited to welcome Benjamin and Rhonda. Each of these students represents an investment in the future of our community.”
Recognizing the Scholarship Recipients
Grace Neubauer (Eastern Shoshone) is receiving her third consecutive Native Excellence Scholarship. Neubauer graduated from Central Wyoming College with associate degrees in health science and equine science and is now continuing her education at Casper College. Her academic progress demonstrates the value of sustained scholarship support as students advance toward their educational and career goals.
Jerel Kohler (Northern Arapaho) is also receiving his third consecutive scholarship. Kohler attends Central Wyoming College, where he is studying Agricultural Leadership. He has expressed a strong interest in integrating traditional Tribal knowledge and agricultural practices into modern agricultural systems to strengthen local food production and economic opportunity.
Benjamin Butler (Northern Arapaho) is a first-time scholarship recipient attending Colorado State University, where he is studying Soil and Crop Sciences. His field of study provides important knowledge and skills applicable to agricultural production, land management, and the future of agriculture in Native communities.
Rhonda Bowers (Northern Arapaho) is also a first-time scholarship recipient. She attends Central Wyoming College, where she is studying Agricultural Leadership, preparing for opportunities to contribute to the future of agriculture and agricultural development.
Investing in Education and Wind River’s Economic Future
Since its launch in 2024, the Native Excellence Scholarship Program has become an important part of WRDF’s broader economic development strategy, recognizing that investing in people is just as important as investing in businesses, infrastructure, and community resources. By supporting Native students pursuing higher education, WRDF is helping develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to strengthen Wind River’s agricultural economy and expand opportunities for future generations.
“The knowledge and talent are already here in Wind River,” said Warren-Yarber. “Our goal is to help create opportunities for that talent to grow and succeed. By investing in education, we’re also investing in future entrepreneurs, agricultural professionals, and community leaders who will help shape the economic future of Wind River.”
The Native Excellence Scholarship Program is supported by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), a private charitable trust. With WRDF’s recent NAAF funding award, the organization has secured sufficient resources to continue the scholarship program for at least two additional years, providing $10,000 annually to support Native students pursuing higher education. With $30,000 in scholarships awarded since 2024 and another $20,000 in funding available for the next two years, WRDF is positioned to invest at least $50,000 in Native students through the program.