North Dakota Native student named College Fund ambassador

Elena Rodriguez of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has been named one of 12 student ambassadors for 2025-26 by the American Indian College Fund, according to the Minot Daily News.

Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates and is pursuing a master’s degree in geological engineering at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The College Fund said she hopes the ambassador role will strengthen her presentation and public speaking skills to share the importance of tribal education and scholarships for Native youth.

Student ambassadors attend training in Denver focused on leadership development, public speaking and communication to raise awareness and understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures throughout the year, according to the College Fund.