The American Indian College Fund has joined forces with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help alleviate financial barriers to college for teen Club members. The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) will be supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s nationwide initiative to secure scholarships and post-secondary success for Club teens.
The College Fund, through its commitment with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, will provide $100,000 in scholarship dollars annually over the next five years exclusively for qualified Boys & Girls Club members to attend tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) in the immediate proximity of their Club. Students must apply and be accepted into a TCU to be considered. Upon acceptance, the scholarships are renewable annually as long as students meet the college’s eligibility requirements.
Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, said, “We are happy to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to further of our mutual goals of providing greater access to a higher education for Native communities. Our experience over more than 25 years has proven to us that education can help Native students navigate any challenge they encounter along life’s journey. In addition to providing scholarships, the College Fund also supports programs at the tribal colleges to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed and graduate.”
“Creating accessible pathways to higher education for kids and teens today is imperative if we want to change the opportunity equation for all youth,” said Dr. Damon Williams, Chief Educational and Youth Development Officer with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “It’s our hope that through these scholarship opportunities, Club youth will be empowered to pursue their dreams to achieve a great future without the financial barriers that may have halted their efforts in the past.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.
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