The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) has launched “Because of You,” a national campaign to recognize and honor the more than 1,600 tribal college and university (TCU) faculty.
Press Releases Blogs
Native Voices Matter in Primaries and Midterms. REGISTER NOW!
The American Indian College Fund is encouraging American Indians and Alaska Natives to ensure they are registered to vote for the upcoming mid-term elections and beyond so they can share their voices at the polls and weigh in on issues such as federal funding for tribal colleges and universities, Native eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, green energy spending on tribal lands, and immigration.
Independent Sector to Host Expert Panel to Protect Sector Independence
Independent Sector to Host Expert Panel to Protect Sector Independence Denver, Colo., March 23, 2026 — Today, Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins announced the creation of a Panel on Sector Independence to strengthen the nonprofit sector so...
American Indian College Fund Honors 2025-26 Tribal College Students of the Year and Coca-Cola Scholars
On Sunday, the College Fund honored this year’s Tribal College and University Students of the Year and Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars. These students represent the values of their TCUs and the determination of all the Native students working to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
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.
Ichigo Foundation Awards American Indian College Fund Adult Education Program
The Ichigo Foundation has gifted the American Indian College Fund a $100,000 award to support the Wounspe E’cetkiya O’takuye Piya A’yazunta Pi (Reconnecting Relatives to Education) Program over the next two years. With its first four graduates celebrated in 2025, this program, that provides resources to help American Indians who’ve had encounters with the justice system complete their high school equivalency, hopes to strengthen its partnership and explore other learning opportunities.
American Indian College Fund Wishes Pendleton Executive Vice President, Robert Christnacht, Fond Farewell
The American Indian College Fund honored Pendleton Woolen Mills’ long-time Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Robert Christnacht, at their headquarters on Tuesday, February 10 for his dedication to Native higher education ahead of his planned retirement this spring.
American Indian College Fund Announces Spring 2026 Faculty Fellow Cohort
The American Indian College Fund awarded a total of $96,063 to seven new faculty fellows in the spring 2026 cohort. This program supports tribal college and university faculty and staff in their graduate studies to increase the academic capacity of TCUs.
American Indian College Fund Staff Co-Author Research in Support of Indigenous Women’s Leadership
In recognition of the fact that the leadership experiences of Indigenous women is an under-researched topic, two Native leaders at the American Indian College Fund co-authored a journal article on this topic. Their team analyzed 18 peer-reviewed articles to identify key concepts and available support for Indigenous women’s leadership.
