Breaking down systemic barriers to higher education for Native and Indigenous students

About This Project

Summary

Native Forward Scholars Fund empowers the next generation of Native leaders by breaking down systemic barriers to higher education. Expanding access to higher education has intergenerational effects that contribute to greater economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty for scholars and Tribal communities. Native Forward invests in direct scholarships and culturally relevant student support services and amplifies Native visibility of its scholars in non-Native and Native spaces.

Goals & Objectives

Through increasing visibility, Native Forward’s goal was to increase funding that provides financial support and comprehensive services from admission to graduation for every Native student wanting to pursue higher education.

Results & Impact

Native Forward increased graduation rates of Native undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41%, and 95% for graduate students. Native Forward secured visibility on national platforms leading to more than doubled funding and individual gifts for student support services.