College Fund Takes Gen-I Challenge, Pledges Support for White House Initiative for Native Youth

Mar 13, 2015 | Blog

 

College Fund Takes Gen-I Challenge, Pledges Support for White House Initiative for Native Youth

March 13, 2015

Student holding up a Gen-I Challenge pin.American Indian College Fund Accepts the Generation Indigenous Challenge Challenge

American Indian College Fund Accepts the Generation Indigenous Challenge Challenge.

The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) announced at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico that it is pledging its full support for Generation Indigenous (Gen-I), an initiative launched by President Obama to improve the lives of Native youth by removing barriers that stand between them and opportunities for success.

The College Fund is among a growing group of national Native organizations who have become “early acceptors” to the Gen-I Challenge. The campaign is geared to engage Native youth leaders and others to use their energy and creativity to address the social and economic issues facing Native youth today. By asking participants such as the College Fund to partner with Native youth to proactively work in their communities for change and to share it on the Gen-I platform, the challenge aims to highlight and elevate the voices and positive contributions of Native youth.

The College Fund will be distributing information about the Gen-I challenge to provide Native American students attending the conference to help them brainstorm ways to participate in their communities and schools.

Take the Gen-I Challenge

Recent Blog Posts

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist Joins American Indian College Fund as Chief Strategy Officer 

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist Joins American Indian College Fund as Chief Strategy Officer 

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, Spirit Lake Dakota Tribe, whose Dakota name is Ta’sunka Wicahpi Winyan (Star Horse Woman), joined the American Indian College Fund as its Chief Strategy Officer on March 2. Dr. Lindquist holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. She served as president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) for 21 years and previously sat on the College Fund’s board, making her familiar with the organization’s work. Under her leadership, CCCC’s physical campus quadrupled in size; student enrollment, persistence, and completion rates more than doubled; and 20 years of audits were conducted with no findings. She also oversaw the transition of managing the Spirit Lake Tribe’s Head Start and Early Headstart programs.

American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald on being named the College Fund’s 2025-26 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year. Dr. McDonald shares how healing, humility, learning, and evolving have not only shaped his mindset as president of United Tribes Technical College but a life dedicated to others.

Inspired Women Inspire Us

Inspired Women Inspire Us

Every year, the American Indian College Fund honors, recognizes, and celebrates notable women and their contributions during Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). But the women who shape our lives, communities, and world deserve recognition that extends far beyond a single month.