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UNLV junior Regina Clauschee is one of 4,000 students chosen from more than 62,000 applicants nationwide to receive one of the new scholarships being awarded through the Gates Millennium Scholars program.

Clauschee, who is working on undergraduate degrees in political science and Native American studies, has been awarded $15,000 for the 2000-01 academic year and is eligible to reapply for the following year.

The Gates Millennium Scholars initiative, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in September 1999. Its focus is increasing the number of African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Pacific Americans enrolling in and completing undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The goal is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students to reach their fullest potential. Recipients must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3.

Clauschee, who has been active with UNLV's Native American Student Association and organized the university's first Native American convocation ceremony, said she had to write an essay and supply evidence of her academic achievements, leadership abilities, and extracurricular activities when applying for the award.

"When I saw how many people had applied for the scholarship, I was astounded to learn I had been selected," she said. "The scholarship money will be so helpful. Many people think Native Americans go to school for free, but that isn't so.

"I am grateful to the Creator and Grandfather Eagle. This would not have been possible without the support of my mother, my boyfriend, the smiles of my children, and my spiritual faith in my ceremonies and prayers."

UNLV President Carol C. Harter said, "Regina is to be congratulated for the hard work that has brought her to this point. Winning a Gates Millennium Scholarship from among so many national applicants is a very significant achievement."

Clauschee, who, along with her boyfriend, is raising their 4-year-old son and 21-month-old daughter, says the scholarship will be extremely helpful in assisting her to achieve her goal of a college degree.

"I look at my children and think about the future and the life I want to make for us and the example I want to set for them," she said.

Clauschee, who did not complete high school but later earned her GED, says that she has learned that it is important not to give up on one's dreams.

Clauschee, whose home town of Window Rock, Ariz., is located within the Navajo Nation, is Dine (Navajo) from the Water That Flows Together Clan, the Red Bottom People Clan, and the Salt People's Clan and is also Zuni from the Frog Clan.

This summer she returned to Arizona to work as an intern in the office of the president and vice president of the Navajo Nation. During her internship she initiated a Navajo Nation Youth Summit and re-established the Navajo Nation Youth Council. She also worked toward bringing the Boys & Girls Club into the Navajo Nation.

Additionally, Clauschee helped obtain approximately 300 public access computers for the Navajo Nation with the assistance of the Gates Foundation. The computers will allow residents access to the Internet.

The Gates Millennium Scholars program is administered by the United Negro College Fund in partnership with the American Indian College Fund, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Organization of Chinese Americans, which represents the Asian Pacific American community.