Member Services

FORMS

Big Valley Rancheria’s Member Services Department is dedicated to providing continued support to the Tribal membership. The services offered vary and are listed below:

Back-to-School Clothes Assistance

BVR TRIBAL MEMBERS

We are happy to announce that the Back-to-School Clothes Assistance Applications are available! You can print your application at bvrancheria.com $250 per child, 3-17 years must be an enrolled student.

Checks will be distributed on July 25th, 10:00-4:00 at the main tribal office. Any checks not picked up will be mailed out.

Click HERE for a Printable Back-to-School Clothes Assistance Application

Enrollment

Member Services is responsible for enrolling Tribal members. Big Valley Rancheria General Membership has closed enrollment. As of 2015, there is no way to be enrolled if you have not completed the process by one (1) year of age. Necessary documents and requirements for enrollment are a Birth certificate, a social security card, an enrollment application, and the applicant must be under one (1) year of age. If one parent of a child requesting enrollment is enrolled in another tribe, we will require proof from that tribe that the child is not enrolled or seeking enrollment with the said tribe.

Higher Education Assistance, which consists of the following:

Education Fund

The Education Fund is to provide encouragement and incentives for tribal members to continue their education. This Program offers the following benefits to tribal members and children.

Honor Roll - Honor Society

Big Valley will only pay the following when Report Cards are provided.

$50 for a student who attends Middle School (4th -8th) Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA)
$100 for a student who attends Middle School (4th -8th) Honor Society (3.5+ GPA)
$100 for a student who attends High School (9th – 12th) Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA)
$150 for a student who attends High School (9th – 12th) Honor Society (3.5+ GPA)
$200 for a student who attends College Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA)
$250 for a student who attends College Honor Society (3.5+ GPA)

*We understand that different schools work under different grading periods, such as quarters or semesters. All applications will be considered according to their school's grading periods.*

College Scholarships

Each applicant is eligible for the following college assistance upon submitting a complete application, proof of registration, and a class schedule with the units/credits for which the applicant is registered. In cases that the applicant has already received assistance, grades for the previous aid will be required. Failure to provide all required supporting documentation will result in the denial of the application. Full Time Students- 12 or more Units/ Credits Per Semester

$1,000 Per Semester for Spring, Summer, and Fall

Part-time students (enrolled in 11 units or fewer per semester) will be reimbursed on a reimbursement basis only. Each applicant is eligible for up to $1,000 per semester for out-of-pocket expenses, including tuition, books, and/or supplies required for the classes. Vocational Class Payment Assistance- Will be approved on a reimbursement basis for out-of-pocket registration fees. Up to $1,000 per vocational course with receipt of payment.

Each applicant is eligible for the following vocational assistance with a complete application, proof of registration, and receipt. Failure to provide all required supporting documentation will result in the denial of the application.

*Payments will not be made to the facility. This is a reimbursement program*

Graduation Stipends

Big Valley will only pay the following when a Graduation Certificate and a complete application are provided.

$500 for Graduation from 8th Grade
$1,000 for Graduation from High School
$500 for Graduation from Vocational- Level 1 Certificates

- Office skills / Maintenance (LCTHC), Fire Training FFT2, CERT & Chainsaw, Lashes, Body Sculpting, HAZWHOPPER, Cultural Monitor (24 hrs or more), etc.- Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of Certification. 24 to 39 hours are required for this incentive.
$1,000 for Graduation from Vocational- Level 2- Licenses

- Cosmetology, Pharmacy Tech., Medical Courses (CMA, CNA, Radiation, etc.), Water Tech., Certified Automotive Tech, Computer Software, Childcare- Child Development, Fire Training FFT1, Lineman, etc. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis regarding the type of Licensure and/or Certification. 40 hours and up are required for this incentive.
$50 for Completion of Wellness Certificates

- Motherhood/Fatherhood is Sacred, QPR, Mental Health 1st Aid, CPR & 1st Aid, etc. This applies to all 1-2 day trainings or anything under 24 hours. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of Certification.
$2,000 for Graduation from college - Associate's Degree
$3,000 for Graduation from college - Bachelor's Degree
$5,000 for Graduation from college – Master's Degree
$10,000 for Graduation from college – PHD, MD or Doctoral

Any graduate who receives an incentive for approved courses listed above is eligible for payment only once per course or class. If the applicant is applying for a secondary course, they may qualify. (For reference- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.)

All services for Education and/or Vocational Education Certificates are only applicable within 1 year of completion. (Any assistance is only available for 1 year from completion.)

Employment Assistance

Employment Assistance is designed to help Tribal Members access the necessary materials to secure employment. Items such as gaming licenses, required clothing or uniforms, and/or materials. This assistance is not available for temporary employees. This assistance is available annually.

This assistance is provided on a reimbursement basis, subject to a complete application, work verification, and receipt submission.

$200 for Employment Assistance- One time per calendar year.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE ALL THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND APPLICATION FOR SERVICES FOR EACH ASSISTANCE YOU ARE REQUESTING. FAILURE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION WILL RESULT IN DENIAL OF APPLICATION.

A few other services we offer are:

Vehicle State Tax Exemption forms
Burial Assistance
Proof of Enrollment and Tribal IDs.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Lynda Tuscano at (707) 263-3924, ext. 102. If you require further assistance, you can reach Veronica Rael-Aparicio at ext 105.