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

NYC Indigenous Food Event April 30 Features Five Indigenous Celebrity Chefs

NYC Indigenous Food Event April 30 Features Five Indigenous Celebrity Chefs

On April 30, the American Indian College Fund will introduce New Yorkers to Indigenous cuisine at its New York City EATSS (Epicurean Award to Support Scholars) event from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, New York, New York, 10011. President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull and her daughter and granddaughter will be on hand to discuss how a higher education is a revolutionary act for Native people along with their own transformative college experiences.

American Indian College Fund President and CEO to Host Webinar Series

American Indian College Fund President and CEO to Host Webinar Series

American Indian College Fund (College Fund) President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull, will be hosting a three-part webinar series titled “Native Higher Education Insights.” Over the course of three sessions, she will cover what’s changed in the higher education environment post-pandemic and news from the various tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) and Native students.

American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket “Drum Keepers” Available for Purchase

American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket “Drum Keepers” Available for Purchase

The 2023 winning Tribal College Blanket Design, Drum Keepers, is now available for purchase. The blanket is the latest addition to Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund collection. The acclaimed lifestyle brand from Portland, Oregon has created wool blankets in partnership with the College Fund for more than 20 years. A portion of the blanket line’s sales provide approximately $50,000 in annual Native student scholarships. Pendleton also contributes to a scholarship endowment that, combined with the total of scholarships disbursed, exceeds $2.5 million. Trey Blackhawk (Winnebago) is a graduate of Little Priest Tribal College with a degree in liberal arts who is currently working on an applied sciences degree.

College Fund in the News

Federal budget could shutter America's Tribal colleges and universities

Public News ServiceMay 14, 2026

The Public News Service shares the concerns of American Indian College Fund President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull, regarding cuts in funding to TCUs in the Trump administration's proposed 2027 budget.

New computer science in art degree brings worlds together at Santa Fe’s IAIA

Santa Fe New MexicanApril 13, 2026

The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe is launching an innovative computer science degree that blends coding with Indigenous art, storytelling, and creative technology. The program aims to prepare students for careers in digital media, interactive design, and contemporary arts by treating programming as both a technical skill and an artistic medium.

Tribal Colleges Brace for Disruption as Oversight Shifts to Interior Department

Inside Higher EdDec 4, 2025

Tribal college and university presidents air their concerns about the U.S. Department of the Interior taking over management of federal funding for tribal higher education. They are calling on the department to adhere to treaty and trust obligations by consulting with Tribes and tribal educators and for assurances from the federal government that funding mechanisms and support will be maintained.

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.

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.”

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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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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