Native American students and their tribes face many long-term challenges today, and education is the key to a brighter future. So many barriers stand between Native students and success, but a college education can unlock economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Let's remove the barriers by working together!
Did you know:
- Only 16% of Native Americans hold a college degree, while 40% of Whites do.
- Native child poverty rates have consistently exceeded 40% for the past 30 years.
- Less than one-half of 1% of ALL charitable giving in the U.S. supports Native causes.
Systemic failures in the education system miss the mark for Native students, who are impacted by treaties the U.S. either broke or underfunded. In some communities, about half of Native American students are not finishing high school. Of those who start the first year of college, not all finish due to culture shock, bias, and financial strain.
You can help us lighten the load for these students. Every gift made to our North Texas Giving Day campaign today will benefit a Native college student in North Texas!
Year over year, 95% of our scholarship recipients complete the college year and keep going! Our K-12 and college services increase access and retention, ensuring Native students have the resources and encouragement they need. Plus, we stay connected with Native scholars year-round, providing fall welcome packs, spring care packs, laptops, mentoring by Native professionals, and holiday care packs to help ensure their success.(1)
These scholars tell us our AIEF program is the only one that doesn't just write a check and leave. With higher education, we know these future leaders can bring about positive changes in their own lives and your community. Last year, thanks to you, we presented a check to the University of Texas at Arlington for their Native students.
Let's work together to change the lives of Native students in North Texas and help them achieve their dreams. Please make your most generous gift before midnight on September 19th to help us reach our modest goal of $4,500 this year!
(1) Materials such as laptops vary depending on freshman student needs.