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Native American Students

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Navigating the college journey as a Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian student can come with its own set of challenges. Early planning is key and can help you align your talents and interests with your college goals. It’s also important to explore how your cultural heritage and identity fit into your college experience. Whether that’s staying connected to your home community, pursuing Native American studies, or participating in Native American student and community groups, your background matters. Check out these tips and resources to start planning for your college journey.

Prepare

Explore your after-high school options to determine the best path for you
- Native Pathways Guidebook
- Your College Journey Map
Look into resources, like interest inventories, to help you understand how your interests and abilities can lead to exciting career and higher education opportunities
Talk to community members and elders who pursued career and higher education paths that may interest you
Attend a college fair or other prep event
- The Virginia Tribal Education Consortium hosts college fairs and other career and education exploration events for Native students
Consider participating in a Pre-College Program for Native students

Explore

There are lots of ways to stay involved in the Native community in college by pursuing Native American studies or joining a Native American student or community group.

Native American Studies Programs, Centers and Resources in Virginia

George Mason University
- Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor
University of Virginia
- Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor
Virginia Peninsula Community College
- Native American Tribes of Virginia Web Resources
Virginia Tech:
- American Indian Studies Minor
- Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center
William & Mary
- American Indian Resource Center
- Native Studies Minor

Native American Student and Community Groups in Virginia

George Mason University
- Native American and Indigenous Alliance
James Madison University
- Native American Student Union
University of Lynchburg
- Native American Student Association
University of Virginia
- Native American Student Union
- Native and Indigenous Relations Community
Virginia Tech:
Washington and Lee University
- Native American Student Organization
- Native American and Indigenous Cohort
William & Mary
- American Indian Student Association

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are colleges and universities chartered by federally recognized Tribes that exist on or near Tribal lands with a majority Native American student population. Their programs and curriculum are culturally conscious and geared toward serving the community. There are 35 accredited TCUs across the country.
Check out the Tribal Colleges and Universities Exploration Guide from the American Indian College Fund for more information

Apply

Ask for help from college advisors and school counselors when you begin the application process
Consider how you can showcase your experiences and culture in your application materials

Finance

Financial aid can help make your college dreams a reality. It’s best to consider a variety of financing options including financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans. Review the resources below for scholarships for Native American students and check out other financial aid resources to help you plan to finance your entire college career.

Scholarships for Virginia Tribes and Schools

National Resources