The mission of the Cherokee Nation Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program is to provide opportunities to Native children for achievement through student and parent involvement in academic and cultural education.

The Johnson-O'Malley Program is a federally funded program authorized by the Johnson-O'Malley Act of 1934. This Act authorizes contracts for the education of eligible Indian students enrolled in public schools and previously private schools. JOM is a local program is operated under an educational plan, approved by the Bureau of Indian Education, and contains educational objectives to address the needs of the eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students. Johnson-O’Malley funds under this program may not be used for capital expenditures or individual expenditures such as clothing, computers or other personal items.

Johnson O’Malley requires eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students to be at least one of the following:

An enrolled citizen of a federally recognized tribe

OR

A one-fourth or higher degree of Indian blood descendant of a citizen of a federally recognized Indian tribal government and eligible for services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In addition, eligibility requires the children to be between age 3 through grade 12, with priority given to children residing on or near an Indian reservation.

Proof of tribal citizenship and enrollment in a Cherokee Nation JOM program are the only requirements for Cherokee Nation JOM services.

The JOM program offers multiple opportunities for JOM students in grades K-12 to exercise their use of the Cherokee language, increase their knowledge of Cherokee history and tribal government, and expand their cultural knowledge through student competitions in art, writing, the Cherokee Challenge Bowl and the Cherokee Language Bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Johnson-O’Malley is a federal program whose main objective is to ensure Indian children receive educational opportunities that would not otherwise be provided through the public school system. JOM is a supplemental program providing special services to Indian students based on the needs of individual communities.

JOM is not able to buy any type of clothing for students.

Parents may contact the school their child attends for information on school supply distribution.

JOM funds may not be used to purchase these types of items.

JOM is not able to purchase technical equipment or devices for students.

JOM occasionally provides field trips that are culturally appropriate. The field trip must be an incentive or award for perfect attendance, improved grades, citizenship or other measurable academic outcomes.

JOM is not a scholarship program. Please visit the Cherokee Nation College Resource Center page for information on scholarships.

JOM provides services to students from ages 3 through grade 12 who are citizens of any federally-recognized tribe. 

While JOM does not provide tutoring, Title VII or other federal programs may provide this service in the school.

Updated August 23, 2026