Last week I accompanied five American Indian College Fund Scholars to the United Health Foundation’s Annual Diverse Scholars Forum in Washington, D.C. These students have been supported by the United Health Foundation with scholarships to pursue degrees ranging from physical therapy and exercise science to nursing and health occupations.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) granted $50,000 to the American Indian College Fund to continue the Nissan Corporate Scholars Program. The program has provided scholarships to Native scholars attending tribal colleges and mainstream universities for more than a decade.
Karen King (Navajo), a nursing student at Diné College, was featured on German television station Deutsche Welle. King talked about the importance of a college education and how a scholarship from the American Indian College Fund is helping her meet her education goals. She also spoke about her desire to work in her own community after graduation.
AT&T contributed $15,000 to the American Indian College Fund (the Fund), continuing two decades of supporting Native American students’ pursuit of higher education. The AT&T Tribal College Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or business at the nation’s tribal colleges and universities.
When Sitting Bull College (SBC) opened a new building for a satellite campus in January, administrators were pleasantly surprised. Nearly four times as many students (45) than in the past enrolled for classes at the tiny site in Mobridge, South Dakota.
Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluation system, has awarded the Denver-based American Indian College Fund (the Fund) a coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal management and transparency. This is the Fund’s third consecutive four-star rating.
The American Indian College Fund has received a $60,000 donation from the General Mills Foundation to continue the General Mills Foundation Tribal College Scholarship Program. The grant will provide scholarships each semester to 26 American Indian students attending tribal colleges in Minnesota and New Mexico.
It is always great to get out and meet our students. At the 31st annual American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, we had that chance. Native students gather to participate in competitions and celebrate the work they do at the tribal colleges as they pursue a college education and prepare to make a difference in their communities.
Over the weekend the American Indian College Fund held two events at the AIHEC Student Conference. On Saturday night the 33 American Indian College Fund Students of the Year (SOY) were recognized. Also honored was Dr. Verna Fowler (President of College of Menominee Nation) as the TCU President of the Year.
Coca-Cola Scholarship recipient Larry P. Madden (Stockbridge-Munsee), a humanities major at the College of Menominee Nation gives a speech to his peers during the annual banquet at the 2012 AIHEC Student Conference. “I am here to express my humble gratitude, not only for myself, but all of Indian Country…for the efforts of the Coca-Cola Company, who has taken the time to just rememeber us; because we are often forgotten in the field of academics,” he said.
