Press, Media, Financials

Media Inquiries

Reporters: Please contact Dina Horwedel at dhorwedel@collegefund.org or 303-426-8900

Speaker Requests: To request a speaker from our organization for your conference or event, please submit the request form.

Press Releases

American Indian College Fund Develops Transfer Data Guidebook for TCUs

American Indian College Fund Develops Transfer Data Guidebook for TCUs

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) has published a “Transfer Data Guidebook for Tribal Colleges and Universities.” The guidebook is the culmination of three years of research conducted under a $625,000 grant from the Educational Credit Management Corporation, which examined the transfer landscape of the seven Montana tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) to improve student achievement by creating a cohesive transfer system.

American Indian College Fund Partners with Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to Enhance Native Arts Programs 

American Indian College Fund Partners with Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to Enhance Native Arts Programs 

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) announced new efforts to enhance Native arts curriculum development programs at six tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). Each of the participating TCUs will receive $100,000 to enrich their curricula by integrating Indigenous education values and incorporate Native knowledge, language, and cultural practices. The project will also help to expand institutional capacity, developing or revising academic courses, minors, and certificate and degree programs.

May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Partners with American Indian College Fund to Support Native Student Veterans

May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Partners with American Indian College Fund to Support Native Student Veterans

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) has received a $50,000 grant from the May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust to implement a six-month fellowship focused on empowering Native student veterans to success. The Naabaahii Ółta’í (Student Warrior): Native Student Veterans Peer-to-Peer Program is a mentorship opportunity that builds relationships between veterans based upon their shared experiences.

American Indian College Fund Launches “Make Native Voices Heard” Voting Campaign

American Indian College Fund Launches “Make Native Voices Heard” Voting Campaign

Native Americans are more impacted by the law than any other group in the United States. Native students in higher education, or seeking a higher education, in particular are impacted by federal and state laws impacting funding for education, such as Pell Grants, student loans, and federal funding for tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), 70% of which comes from federal sources.

College Fund in the News

Why We Must Fully Fund Tribal Colleges and Universities

ForbesSep 11, 2025

American Indian College Fund president and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull, explains why the Trump administration’s proposed 90% cut to post-secondary funding under the Bureau of Indian Education is not just a budget decision but a default on treaty obligation. The threat is not just to TCUs or tribal communities but also rural communities that rely on the trained workforce TCUs provide.

Two Indigenous College Presidents Among 2025 Aspen Ascend Fellows Advancing Family Well-Being

Native News OnlineSep 11, 2025

Dr. Brad Hall of the Blackfeet Nation and Dr. Monte Randall of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have been named as two of the 20 leaders from across the country who are advancing prosperity and well-being for children and families.

Institute of American Indian Arts 2025 Benefit & Auction Event Raises Record $1.2 Million Gross for Scholarships

Los Alamos Daily PostSep 6, 2025

Supporters of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) gathered on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 13, for the Scholarships Shape Futures—2025 IAIA Benefit & Auction. The sold-out event grossed over $1.2 million in donations, art purchases, ticket sales, and pledges—all of which benefit student scholarships and IAIA’s mission, “to empower creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher education, lifelong learning, and community engagement.”

Haskell Indian Nations University producing next generation of teachers | Opinion

Topeka Capital-JournalAug 30, 2025

Robust partnership between Haskell and Kansas State Department of Education offers Native students an academically rigorous and culturally affirming education. Graduates of the teacher certificate program have a profound impact on tribal communities across the country.

American Indian College Fund Partners with Tribal Colleges and Universities to Focus Research on Cultural Impact

Red Lake Nation NewsAug 22, 2025

Red Lake Nation News covers the story of three College Fund staff, along with their project partners from TCUs, who were chosen to present two sessions at the upcoming World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education in November.

scholarships awarded in 2023-24

million in scholarships for 2023-24

first year scholars in 2023-24

scholars served since 1989

million awarded since 1989

College Fund Reports

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Requests for printed materials can be made by calling 303-426-8900 or by email at info@collegefund.org.

American Indian College Fund 
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Student Biographies

Student Biography Samantha Maltais

Deanna
(Navajo)

Growing up on the Navajo reservation in Blue Gap, Arizona, Deanna learned early in life that determination and focus are the keys to lifting oneself out of adversity.

Student Biography Samantha Maltais

Sam
(Cherokee)

Sam’s chosen career path is all about words – using words to teach, to change hearts and minds, to rewrite truthful history, to document and preserve culture and language, and to shape the future. Sam’s vision for all Native people is to have a voice, and he wonders what our world would look like today if Native voices had been included in the growth and evolution of our country.

Student Biography Jamie Artussee

Promise
(Yankton and Santee Sioux)

“Resilience is in my DNA,” says Promise, reflecting on her upbringing. Surrounded by instability, drug abuse, and a responsibility to protect her younger siblings, Promise views her education as proof that nothing will stop her from achieving her goals.

Student Biography Jamie Artussee

Selena
(Pascua Yaqui)

Throughout her journey, Selena has seen the barriers that prevent her people from traveling on the path they want to take. Being a single mom with four kids, two of whom have special needs, she has first-hand experience with the lack of resources and culturally centered support available in Native communities. This is why Selena has taken it upon herself to receive the education she needs to be a guiding light for her tribal community and help clear a better path for them.

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Please direct advertising inquiries to (303) 426-8900.