Education Advancement

Empowering Native futures: Native Forward celebrates 55 years of impact

The largest Native scholarship provider marks its anniversary with a gala honoring Indigenous scholars, alumni and advocates who have shaped higher education in Indian Country.

Buffalo’s Fire

Buffalo’s Fire

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This news brief is based on information provided in a press release from the Native Forward Scholars Fund.

Native Forward Scholars Fund, the nation’s largest provider of scholarships for Native students, will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a gala in San Diego on April 2. The event, themed “Empowering Native Futures,” will honor the achievements of Indigenous scholars and the organization’s role in advancing higher education opportunities for Native students.

Since its founding, Native Forward has awarded up to $15 million annually in direct scholarships, student programs and support services, benefitting over 22,000 Indigenous students from more than 500 tribes across all 50 states. The organization reports that its efforts have raised undergraduate graduation rates for Native students to 69%, compared to a national average of 41%, and graduate-level completion rates to 95%.

The gala, hosted at Venue 808 in San Diego, will bring together alumni, supporters and advocates for a night of storytelling, performances by Native scholars and the induction of the second class of Hall of Fame honorees. Angelique Albert (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native Forward, emphasized the event’s significance in recognizing the impact of education in Indigenous communities.

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“Over the last 55 years, we have been empowering the next generation of Native leaders by providing support for Native students to pursue higher education,” Albert said in a statement.

More information on event details, tickets and sponsorships can be found at nativeforward.org.

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