American Indian College Fund Launches Student Voting Initiative as Part of Its Reclaim Native Democracy Campaign
Native Scholars Asked to Share What Voting Means to Them
Denver, Colo., July 15, 2026 — The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) has launched its Reclaim Native Democracy Voting Initiative competition for students, asking Native students at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) and current Full Circle scholars to share their thoughts on voting, democracy, and the future of Native communities. The theme of the initiative is “Our ancestors carried the wisdom. We carry the responsibility. Future generations carry the promise.” The campaign allows Native students to share their thoughts as future leaders about the importance of voting to help shape their communities’ futures.
The voting initiative is open to both TCU students and College Fund Full Circle Scholars enrolled in summer or fall 2026 classes. Students must submit written blog or video entries between July 15 and November 3. Students may submit multiple entries, with the first qualifying submission earning a $25 gift card. All students whose submissions are accepted will be entered into a raffle for a $500 cash prize. Four TCU students and three Full Circle scholars will be selected from the raffle. For complete competition guidelines and to submit entries, visit the College Fund website, at collegefund.org/vote.
A campaign about the roots of democracy in Indigenous communities inspiring the founding of the United States was held for TCU students. Raffle winners selected are:
- Marcel Blackbird (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska), Little Priest Tribal College
- Simone Friede (Chippewa Cree), Stone Child College
- Amber Warrington (Menominee Nation), College of Menominee Nation
- Gerilynn Yazzie (Navajo Nation), United Tribes Technical College
Whether a tribal college student, a tribal community member, or an ally, the College Fund encourages all Americans to exercise their right to vote. Those who need to register can find a state-by-state breakdown of voter registration information on the College Fund website. You can also watch Native student representatives who attended the 2026 AIHEC Legislative Summit discuss what voting means to them on the College Fund Youtube channel.
About the American Indian College Fund — The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 37 years. The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided more than $23 million in scholarships and other student support for higher education in 2024-25. Since its founding in 1989 the College Fund has provided more than $391 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support. The College Fund also supports a variety of programs at the nation’s 35 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. It earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (Guidestar), and the “Best in America Seal of Excellence” from the Independent Charities of America. The College Fund was also named as one of the nation’s top 100 charities to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit collegefund.org.
Journalists —The American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use the College Fund.
Photo – American Indian College Fund’s Reclaim Native Democracy Campaign launches student voting initiative.
