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American Indian Law Program

University of Boulder
LegalColorado Law

At Colorado Law, we believe that American Indians deserve the very best lawyers and that we have an obligation to train them. Our American Indian Law Program faculty, including the nation’s top scholars and practitioners in the field, offers a full slate of introductory and advanced classes in the field to prepare students for all aspects of Indian law practice, and we now have dozens of successful alumni practicing Indian law in tribal government, federal agencies, and at law firms.

American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program

Cornell University
Native Transfer ProgramCollege of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) can help with your transfer application and can connect you to the transfer coordinators of specific Cornell colleges and schools. To make the transfer process more efficient, Cornell has articulation agreements with a number of colleges and universities.

Contact:
Wayva Waterman Lyons
wl685@cornell.edu

Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies

University of Minnesota - Duluth
HumanitiesAmerican Indian Learning Resource Center

Our programs and projects prepare students to become effective child welfare practitioners, particularly in working with American Indian families through offering stipends, coursework and other cultural and experiential learning opportunities. The Center also partners with tribes, county agencies, and non-profits in Minnesota to help improve American Indian child welfare practice and reduce the disparities experienced by families in the child welfare system.

Contact:
Bree Bussey
bussey@d.umn.edu

Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health (CAIANH)

University of Colorado - CU Anschutz
HealthColorado School of Public Health

The Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health (CAIANH) was established in 1986 and is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest standing program of its kind in the country. Our mission is to promote the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives, of all ages, by pursuing research, training, continuing education, technical assistance, and information dissemination within a biopsychosocial framework that recognizes the unique cultural contexts of this special population.

Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP)

Montana State University
HealthCollege of Nursing

The Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) is a supplemental student support program for Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing their nursing degree at Montana State University. CO-OP’s goals are to increase the enrollment of American Indian nursing students in the College of Nursing at Montana State University and build a strong pool of American Indian and Alaska Native nurses who are prepared for practice, management, and leadership to serve Indian Country.

College of Education and Human Service Professions

University of Minnesota - Duluth
EducationAmerican Indian Learning Resource Center

The American Indian Learning Resource Center exists to enrich the cultural, academic, supportive, and social environment of the UMD campus. Our mission is to increase the recruitment and retention of American Indian and Alaskan Native students, while promoting a more culturally diverse campus environment. Working in conjunction with UMD staff, the AILRC provides supportive services to empower and aid in the success of our students and to enhance their educational experience.

Daḳota Iapi Uƞspewic̣akiyapi Teaching Certificate

University of Minnesota
LanguageDepartment of American Indian Studies

The Daḳota Iapi Uƞspewic̣akiyapi Teaching Certificate is designed to address the critical point of Dakota language loss in Minnesota by developing a cadre of Dakota language learners, speakers, and teachers. This effort is part of a global indigenous language revitalization movement based on the understanding that language is fundamental to cultural survival and tribal sovereignty.

Indigenous Sun Devil Transfer Program

Arizona State University
Native Transfer ProgramAmerican Indian Student Support Services

The Indigenous Sun Devil Transfer Program helps Indigenous students transition from a community college to ASU. The program provides personalized support whether completing an admissions application or being admitted to ASU. Students are provided with resources and engagement opportunities that support their transition to ASU, connect them with Indigenous peers and staff, and provide personalized guidance to achieve academic and professional goals. The American Indian Student Support staff looks forward to helping you adjust to campus life, build connections and identify mentors.

Indian Natural Resources, Science and Engineering Program (INRSEP) + Diversity in STEM

Cal Poly Humboldt
STEMIndian Natural Resources, Science and Engineering Program (INRSEP)

The Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship (MTRES) is an applied graduate degree designed in consultation with regional tribes to create future leaders and stewards of tribal natural resources. There is no other graduate-level degree program like this in the country. This degree program takes an integrated approach to protection of natural resources through the lens of Indigenous environmental stewardship.

Indigenous STEM Research and Graduate Education (ISTEM)

University of Idaho
STEMAquaculture Research Institute

The University of Idaho (UI) is taking the lead in American Indian graduate-level science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education by forming the Indigenous STEM Research and Graduate Education program, or ISTEM. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded University of Idaho nearly $750,000 to create a national network of institutions collaborating to increase the number of Native students entering and completing masters and doctoral programs in STEM fields. ISTEM is a pilot program with the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program at NSF.

Indian Legal Program

Arizona State University
LegalSandra Day O'Conner College of Law

Established more than 30 years ago, the Indian Legal Program (ILP) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has grown to become one of the most respected Indian law programs in the nation. Situated in the heart of the Southwest, with connections to Arizona’s 22 tribes and tribes nationally, the ILP is in the perfect location for students looking to study the developing field of Indian law. Our nationally recognized faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, producing research and publications, as well as providing outreach and public service.

Contact:
Patty Ferguson-Bohnee
pattyfergusonbohnee@asu.edu

Indians Into Medicine (INMED)

University of North Dakota
Health School of Medicine & Health Sciences

INMED provides academic, personal, social, and cultural support for students in grades 7 through graduate studies. Each year, INMED enrolls an average of 100 health, pre-health, and allied health students in various academic programs.

Contact:

Indians Into Psychology (InPsych)

University of Montana
HealthDepartment of Psychology

The InPsych program is designed to recruit American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate students into psychology and recruit, fund and train American Indian graduate students into Clinical Psychology. The ultimate goal is to send licensed American Indian/Alaska Native Clinical Psychologists back to reservation communities and urban Indian health programs to fill the needs for culturally competent care and address health disparities.

Contact:

INMED

University of Arizona
HealthHealth Sciences

The goal of the AZ INMED is to develop collaborative partnerships with tribal nations, K-12 school districts, community-tribal colleges, universities and health professional schools to recruit, support and encourage Native American students to enter and succeed in the health professions at the Arizona Health Sciences Centers located in both Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona (Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Public Health).

Indigenous Teacher Education Program

University of Arizona
EducationCollege of Education

The Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is an in-person Bachelor's Degree granting program that was founded in 2016, through a grant from the US Department of Education. Our mission is to increase the number of Indigenous teachers serving Indigenous students, schools, and communities. Our students graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and a teaching certification.

Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program

University of Arizona
LegalJames E. Rogers College of Law

What makes the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program at the University of Arizona Law unique is our approach to legal education in the fields of federal Indian law, tribal law and policy, and Indigenous peoples human rights. Students are trained in the classroom and in real-world settings by faculty who are leaders both in their academic fields and as practitioners in tribal, national, and international forums.

Contact:
Justin Boro
justinboro1986@email.arizona.edu

(520) 626-9224

Law & Indigenous Peoples Program

University of New Mexico
LegalLaw & Indigenous Peoples Program

The UNM School of Law has a strong and longstanding tradition of dedication and commitment to the development of the field of Indian law education and assisting in the legal protection and representation of Native American nations and communities.

Contact:
John P. LaVelle
lavelle@law.unm.edu

Lakota Studies

Oglala Lakota College
LanguageLinguistics

The Lakota Studies department offers four different degrees as well as a Lakota Language Certificate. By training to develop skills in research, evaluation, communication, analysis, and graphic design, you'll experience a customized education befitting of the ever-changing demand of modern society. The department also provides the focus for the entire college in maintaining a Lakota perspective.

Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship

University of Minnesota Duluth
STEMAmerican Indian Studies

The Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship (MTRES) is an applied graduate degree designed in consultation with regional tribes to create future leaders and stewards of tribal natural resources. There is no other graduate-level degree program like this in the country. This degree program takes an integrated approach to protection of natural resources through the lens of Indigenous environmental stewardship.

Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Indigenous Governance

University of Arizona
LegalJames E. Rogers College of Law

The Indigenous Governance Program (IGP), a partnership between University of Arizona Law’s Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program and the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute (NNI), provides professional development, leadership training, and graduate education for individuals interested in a deep, practical understanding of Indigenous governance and rights. IGP’s nation building and Indigenous governance curriculum combines the expertise of world-renowned faculty with data-informed research on what works for Native Nation (re)building efforts. IGP offers both in-person and online courses for tribal leaders and other professionals to collaborate on how to strengthen Indigenous governance.

Contact:
Dr. Tory Fodder
taf05@email.arizona.edu
(520) 621-3093

MPA Tribal Governance

Evergreen State College
GovernanceMaster of Public Administration

Currently, there is no other Master of Public Administration program in the U.S. with an emphasis on Tribal Governance. With that in mind, the Tribal Governance Cohort focuses on structures, processes and issues specific to Tribal Governments providing the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully within public administration. The Cohort is also appropriate for those working with governmental or other organizations in a liaison role with Tribal Governments.

Contact:
Puanani Nihoa, MPA
nihoap@evergreen.edu
(360) 688-4780 (cell)

Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship (MTRES)

University of Minnesota Duluth
LegalAmerican Indian Studies

The Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship (MTRES) is an applied graduate degree designed in consultation with regional tribes to create future leaders and stewards of tribal natural resources. There is no other graduate-level degree program like this in the country. This degree program takes an integrated approach to protection of natural resources through the lens of Indigenous environmental stewardship.

Master of Tribal Administration and Governance

University of Minnesota Duluth
GovernanceAmerican Indian Studies

The Master of Tribal Administration and Governance (MTAG) is an applied professional development degree designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work as an administrator in a tribal government. Students in the program may already serve as tribal administrators, council members or tribal leaders. Students who currently work or aspire to work professionally in tribal governments or management positions will benefit from this program, which emphasizes both the acquisition of academic knowledge and the application of practical skills.

MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law

University of Oklahoma
LegalTBD

The M.L.S. in Indigenous Peoples Law is an online, 33-credit hour graduate degree that can be completed in 15 months. This program offers a strong foundation in Native American Law for non-lawyers who deal with contracts, negotiations or any other issues that demand knowledge of Native American policy, regulation or business practice.

Master of Arts in Native American Languages and Linguistics

University of Arizona
LanguageLinguistics

The NAMA degree program is oriented towards community language activists who wish to train in the kinds of skills and experience needed to work on maintaining, revitalizing, and documenting their native languages. Students interested in NAMA can either be speakers or second language learners of their language, or ones who have studied a particular Native American language and have close contact with that language community.

MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship

Gonzaga University
BusinessSchool of Business Administration

Gonzaga's MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship (MBA-AIE) program was established in 2001 with the generous help of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Gonzaga University was chosen to develop the program because of its national recognition, accreditation, strong mission, and commitment to social justice. The program strives to prepare leaders to effectively manage and support sustainable business on American Indian reservations.

MBA in Native American Leadership

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
BusinessJohn Massey School of Business - Online MBA Programs

Culture can be your key to success with our 100 percent online MBA in Native American Leadership degree program. Learn how to manage diversity in a changing world as you explore personal and organizational leadership, tribal sovereignty and contemporary issues facing the Indian Country.

Navajo Law Fellowship Program

University of Arizona
LegalJames E. Rogers College of Law

The Navajo Law Fellowship Program provides financial support, mentorship, a Navajo law curriculum, externship opportunities on the Navajo Nation, and bar preparation assistance to Navajo Juris Doctor (JD) students attending University of Arizona Law.

Contact:
Faith Liston
afs1@email.arizona.edu
(520) 621-1166

Native Americans Into Medicine (NAM)

University of Minnesota - Duluth
HealthCenter of American Indian and Minority Health

NAM is a seven-week summer enrichment program for college sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in pursuing health careers. The 2023 NAM Summer program will provide students with both qualitiative and quanitative research experience, using data from the Minnesota Youth Survey. The dates of the program are June 20th-Aug 4th. The 2023 NAM program is a two-summer cohort.

Contact:

Native American Science and Engineering Program

University of Arizona
STEMEarly Academic Outreach

An initiative of the Office of Early Academic Outreach at The University of Arizona, the Native American Science & Engineering Program is a FREE year-long program designed to provide Native American high school students with the necessary resources to enroll in college and pursue a career in a Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) field. NASEP participants will gain a wide exposure to these fields through interactions with university experts on many subjects including environmental sustainability. The intention of this program is to expose students to a wide variety of STEM pathways so as to better inform their college pathways in the context of the Native American experience.

Native Children's Research Exchange Scholars Program

University of Colorado - CU Anschutz
HealthColorado School of Public Health

The NCRE Scholars Program provides career development support to early career investigators and late-stage graduate students interested in pursuing research on substance use and disorder and Native child and adolescent development.

Contact:

Native American Tribal Management

Nicolet College
BusinessBusiness Management Programs

Develops the skills of people who work or plan to work in a First Nation environment including fundamental management skills, and how a Native nation’s legal, political and cultural context impact an organization’s work.

Native Early Transition Program (NET)

University of Alaska - Anchorage
College BridgeNative Student Services

Native Student Services (NSS) provides a safe, affirming space on campus for Alaska Native, Native American, and Indigenous students. It is a gathering place where incoming and current students can find academic, advising, and cultural support; access resources; study with classmates; attend culturally empowering events, connect with community representatives; and interact with people who share similar experiences as Indigenous peoples.

https://iaia.edu/

New Freshman Summer Bridge (NFSB)

Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
College Bridge

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) New Freshman Summer Bridge (NFSB) is a free, three-week, on-campus program available to incoming IAIA Freshmen with no college experience who have been accepted to IAIA for Fall 2022. Students establish skills for college readiness, leadership, and creativity with dedicated instructors and staff. Students will also earn three credits through educational workshops and classes while attending the program.

Ojibwe Language Program

Bemidji State University
LanguageLanguages & Indigenous Studies

Bemidji State University is home to the first collegiate Ojibwe language program in the United States, starting with adjunct classes in 1969 and a full three-year sequence of language courses starting in 1971. Additional current course offerings include Ojibwe Culture, Ojibwe Oral Literature, and Instruction of Ojibwe.

Preparing Indigenous Teachers & Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS)

University of Alaska Southeast
EducationSchool of Education

Alaska is diverse and so are our educators. The PITAAS program is a scholarship that supports Alaska Native students who want to become teachers and administrators in Alaska’s schools. A total of 228 degrees and certificates were awarded to 152 Alaska Native students with PITAAS scholarship support. PITAAS graduates are employed by 28 of 54 school districts across our vast state. Application for Spring 2023-Summer 2023 will be posted mid-November.

Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) for American Indians and Alaska Natives

University of New Mexico School of Law
LegalAmerican Indian Law Center, Inc.

PLSI is an intensive two-month program that prepares American Indian and Alaska Native individuals for the rigors of law school by essentially replicating the first semester of law school. The PLSI concentrates its content into eight weeks of instruction, research and study, teaching students the unique methods of law school research, analysis, and writing. The success of the PLSI in providing a nationally respected pre-law orientation can be traced to its original and continuing intent — that it be based on sound legal education principles, and not function as a philosophical, political, or cultural training ground. For more than five decades, the Law Center has remained dedicated to providing valid training in the skills required for the study of law.

Sloan Scholars Program; Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership

University of Montana
STEMIndigenous Research and STEM Education

The UM Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (UM SIGP) was established in the fall of 2005. Indigenous (Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian) graduate students pursuing degrees in STEM at The University of Montana are eligible to apply for the scholarship program established by the A.P. Sloan Foundation. The UM SIGP Program is intended to increase the number of Indigenous Americans earning master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines.

Contact:
Dr. Thomas
406-243-2052

Stanford Native Immersion Program

Stanford University
College BridgeNative American Cultural Center

The Stanford Native Immersion Program (SNIP) is a six-day, fun and information-filled virtual experience designed to welcome incoming frosh to the Farm.

Hoover Institution’s Indigenous Student Seminar

Stanford University
SeminarHoover Institute

The Indigenous Student Seminar is an intensive, four-day residential immersion program exploring federal policy, tribal governance, and indigenous entrepreneurship. The goal is to help Indigenous college students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal Indian policy, self-determination, and economic development.

Yup'ik; Yup’ik Language and Culture; and Iñupiaq Bachelor of Arts degrees; minor degrees in Alaska Native Languages; Yup'ik, and Iñupiaq; Associate's degrees in Native Language Education and Yup'ik Language Proficiency; and certificates in Native Language Education and Yup'ik Language Proficiency

University of Alaska - Fairbanks (Kuskokwim campus in Bethel, AK)
LanguageAlaska Native Lanaguage Center

The Alaska Native Language Center offers academic programs ranging from certificates to bachelors degrees. Our programs promote language revitalization, community connections, and intergenerational learning.

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Tribal colleges and universities provide dynamic higher education opportunities, most on or near reservation lands. Known for their remarkable programs, culturally-relevant curricula, and familial student care – tribal colleges allow students to further their careers, attain an advanced degree, or better support their communities.

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News & Events

American Indian College Fund Launches Student Voting Initiative as Part of Its Reclaim Native Democracy Campaign

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

ReclaimNativeDemocracy_BumperSticker_BlueDenver, 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.

JournalistsThe 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.

Next Leaders in Native American Finance

By Shawn Bitsui, Program Associate – College Success, American Indian College Fund

The Native American Financial Leaders Fellowship Program shares a pair of blogs reflecting on the professional development activities fellows participated in during the spring 2026 semester.

Next Leaders in Native American Finance – College Fund Fellows Attend Reservation Economic Summit

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) established the Native American Financial Leaders Fellowship Program (NAFLFP) in 2024. This initiative provides extensive support and professional development opportunities for up-and-coming finance and business scholars developing Native communities.

Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada in March 2026.

Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada in March 2026.

Fellows attended the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nev. in March. This gathering of business leaders is the epicenter for economic conversation in Indian Country. The fellows attended along with their program lead, Shawn Bitsui. Over the course of the three-day summit, fellows were exposed to breakout sessions, networking, vendor tradeshows, and speakers, including an informative speech from the College Fund’s own president and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull.

Jordan Dean (Ninlichik Village), a junior at Westmont College, said, “This professional development motivated Fellows more than ever coming out of the summit.”

“I was able to talk about my own goals and plans for the future, and they gave really helpful feedback on things I should focus on, skills to keep building, and different career paths I hadn’t fully considered before. It made everything feel more real for me. Instead of just learning in the classroom, I was able to connect with people actually doing the work I want to be part of. That experience definitely gave me more confidence and motivation moving forward,” said Amy Byrd (Cherokee), a senior at Northern Montana State University.

Emma DeGennaro (Choctaw), a senior at Tulane University, said, “My favorite interaction was meeting Cheryl Crazy Bull from the College Fund. Though I loved just getting to say hello and talking to her, I also really enjoyed her speaking event during the general session. Her commitment to encouraging and instilling education among youth and ensuring equal access to education for indigenous students is amazing.”

Finance Fellows Attend Center for Indian Country Development

Two American Indian College Fund (College Fund) Native American Financial Leaders Fellows (NAFLFP) ended the Spring 2026 semester with a professional development opportunity. Jordan Dean (Ninilchik Village), a junior at Westmont College, and Braden Allery (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), a senior at United Tribes Technical College, were able to attend and present at the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) in Minneapolis, Minn. this past May.

Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May, 2026.

Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May, 2026.

The fellows and their program lead, Shawn Bitsui toured the Federal Reserve facility, for networking and deep-dive sessions reviewing the CICD Survey of Native Nations and economic development. The team at CICD gave both fellows a chance to present on their fellowship projects and provided valuable feedback. CICD offered suggestions on resources, contacts, and other data that could strengthen the fellows’ projects.

Both fellows developed projects based upon their passions: Allery is considering incorporating equine therapy as part of the larger rehabilitation program he runs for his community and Dean is researching how to utilize emerging renewable energies, such as wave power technology, to help cut down energy costs in Alaska Native communities.

Allery said, “Being at CICD and hearing different viewpoints made me think more about how healing, culture, community, and economic development can all work together. I realized the benefits of sharing my vision with others and connecting and also the value of strengthening my public speaking skills to help me with my future goals”

 

 

American Indian College Fund’s 12th Annual Tribal College and University Faculty Convening Celebrates Culturally Responsive Education

American Indian College Fund’s 12th Annual Tribal College and University Faculty Convening Celebrates Culturally Responsive Education

Sessions Highlight Importance of Native Students’ Belonging and Academic Success

Speaker panel at the 12th Annual Tribal College and University Faculty Convening.

Speaker panel at the 12th Annual Tribal College and University Faculty Convening.

Denver, Colo., July 14, 2026 — The annual Tribal College and University (TCU) Faculty Convening held by the American Indian College Fund (College Fund) offers faculty the rare opportunity to share their research and best practices with each other and to make valuable connections with peers across the TCU system. TCUs have a unique dual mission to provide a quality higher education to their students while maintaining the Native cultures of the Tribes who run them. The convening gathers faculty in person for deeper discussions on how they can help advance this dual mission.

The 12th annual convening saw a record number of attendees despite federal budget cuts to TCUs over the past two years. Breakout and plenary sessions covered a multitude of topics essential to Native higher education, such as Native-centered teaching practices, innovations in student research, collaborating for student success, and ethical use of AI for the more than 150 education professionals that gathered in May for the event. Attendees said the conference emphasized the importance of Indigenous-centered teaching practices serving as the foundation for every course taught at TCUs.

A record number of attendees participated in the TCU Convening.

A record number of attendees participated in the TCU Convening.

The convening further highlighted the value of faculty connection and shared learning across tribally led higher education institutions. The culturally grounded sessions reminded those attending that student success is not only about productivity or academic achievement but relationships, representation, and community. Despite the distance between TCUs, faculty made valuable connections to overcome isolation as they prepare students to lead their tribal communities and in their careers.

American Indian College Fund President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull said, “The College Fund is honored to support TCU faculty as they build their skills and network so they can serve Native and rural students at our institutions with the best content knowledge, teaching skills, and cultural competencies. We appreciate our faculty and the work they do to strengthen our communities’ self-determination.”

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.

JournalistsThe American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use the College Fund.

Photo 1 Speaker panel at the 12th Annual Tribal College and University Faculty Convening.

Photo 2 A record number of attendees participated in the TCU Convening.