Circle of Hope

With the beginning of a new school year, I am reminded that higher education represents so many things to Native students. While a college degree can open doors to careers and economic opportunity, some of its most profound impacts are harder to measure.

Education helps people find their voice. It builds confidence. It gives students the ability to step into rooms where Native people have historically been absent – and know they are where they belong.

Today, more Native people are seeking a college degree than ever before; and with the confidence only an education can provide, they are showing up and speaking up in every sector of society – as healthcare providers, scientists, artists, business leaders, elected officials, educators, and advocates for their communities. And, even more importantly, Indigenous knowledge and Native voices are being considered in conversations that shape our future.

This is progress – and it is not accidental, but pursued through intention, hard work, and commitment. Simultaneously, progress also creates expanding needs and increased hope for thousands more students who count on being chosen to receive support – which demands our innovative and creative response.

The need has never been greater. Each year, more Native students seek support than we can currently provide. Tribal Colleges and Universities continue to face funding challenges while serving as vital educational and cultural centers for their communities. And Native students attending non-Native institutions often find themselves navigating environments where culturally specific support has been reduced or eliminated.

The inconsistent environment we’ve experienced over the past few years has inspired me to think about growth and our future differently. We understand we need to invest strategically so we can accelerate and sustain growth for years to come, even when the winds of change are blowing against us. We must strengthen the foundation of our organization so we can serve more students, support more Tribal Colleges and Universities, elevate more Native voices, and respond more effectively as needs continue to grow at a rapid pace.

One area we are especially excited to expand is student support beyond scholarships. We know that receiving financial assistance is only part of what helps students succeed. Native students also benefit from mentorship, coaching, peer connections, academic guidance, and encouragement from people who understand their experiences. Specifically, Native students graduate at a rate 1.5 times higher when they receive these supports.

In recent years, we have perfected and expanded our Student Support model, which has demonstrated just how powerful additional support can be. Students who receive wraparound services along with their scholarship persist and graduate at higher rates because they have someone to turn to when challenges arise – whether academic, financial, personal, or cultural.

Because our model works, we are now expanding these services to reach even more students. Thousands of additional scholars will have access to the guidance, resources, and community support that help them stay on track and complete their education.

This matters because Native students represent only a small percentage of college students nationwide. Their voices can easily be overlooked. Yet when students are given opportunities to be heard, they gain the confidence to advocate for themselves, their families, and their Nations.

At the College Fund, student voices are at the center of everything we do. We see every day how confidence grows when students know they belong, when they feel supported, and when their knowledge and experiences are valued.

You have made this possible. Together, we have expanded opportunities for Native students and Tribal Colleges at a scale that would have seemed unimaginable only a generation ago. And together, we are building an organization capable of meeting both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Thank you for believing in Native students, in Native knowledge, and in Native futures. Thank you for helping us build not only scholarships, but also the support systems, leadership pathways, and institutional strength that allow Native students to thrive.

As summer comes to an end and I feel the excitement build for the new school year, I also know we are far from the end of our journey – and I am encouraged, motivated, and energized knowing you are with me.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ways to Give

Thank you for being a champion of Native higher education. We encourage you to explore the various ways you can continue to support Native students to find what works for you!