Welcome back, students!

Sep 5, 2008 | Archives, Blog

Labor Day weekend is officially over, and with it, summer has ended. That means one thing in the world of tribal colleges: back-to-school time!

Whether you are a new student this year or returning to complete your education after a hiatus or are headed towards the final stretch to earning your degree, I want to personally congratulate you for the strength and wisdom it took to enroll in college. Your education will be a constant companion with you throughout your life. You may lose your job, material possessions, or even struggle with illness. But once you have an education, no one can ever take that away from you. It will inform who you are, how you view the world, and how you walk upon this earth. It will impact your children, your extended family, and your partner.

You have embarked on a great personal and community journey. By choosing a higher education, you reflect well upon yourself and your people. Congratulations and good luck. Study hard, ask the hard questions, and never doubt yourself or give up and you will succeed on your journey!

Recent Blog Posts

Empowering Students, Building Nations: Reflections from the 2025 CSSI Convening/CNSS Conference

Empowering Students, Building Nations: Reflections from the 2025 CSSI Convening/CNSS Conference

This year’s convening was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when partners align with purpose. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) have long worked in close collaboration to uplift tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and this joint convening stood as a shining example of that ongoing partnership in action.

Our Work Is Not Finished

Our Work Is Not Finished

Thank you to all those who called and emailed your elected officials on behalf of Native students and Native higher education prior to the passing of the Bill Beautiful Bill. Know that we will continue to champion our tribal students and institutions and ask you to stay the course with us.