School counselors are uniquely positioned to walk alongside Native American students in their college journey. Implementing best practices Native students respond to, rooted in cultural values and purpose, ensures more equitable, connected outcomes. With culturally informed advising and trusted tools, counselors can help Native youth access postsecondary opportunities that affirm who they are and where they come from.
At CollegeBound Journey, we support school counselors with culturally grounded student planning resources tailored specifically for Native youth. Below are four core best practices Native students benefit from, plus how CollegeBound Journey helps you apply them in real time.
Best Practices Native Students Need: Center Cultural Identity in Counseling
Culturally responsive counseling begins by honoring the traditions, stories, and strengths students carry. Effective approaches include:
Learning students’ tribal affiliations and respecting cultural protocols
Valuing identity through storytelling, holistic wellness, and resilience
Framing college as a way to serve community, not just individual success
How CollegeBound Journey Helps:
Our downloadable planning tools connect student goals with cultural identity. Use our culturally responsive counseling guides and career exploration handouts to affirm each student’s purpose and potential.
Align Advising with Cultural Purpose
Many Native youth are driven by goals of giving back, which can look like teaching, preserving land and language, or leading in tribal governance. Support these aspirations by:
Connecting coursework to degrees in Indigenous Studies, Native Health, or Environmental Science
Encouraging rigorous courses, while affirming cultural and community learning
Validating out-of-school experiences, such as language immersion or tribal leadership
How CollegeBound Journey Helps:
Our group curriculum is based on the Medicine Wheel, which helps students reflect on strengths and passions. Handouts like “What Can I Do with a Tribal Management Degree?” connect interests to impact.
Simplify College and Financial Aid
Many Native students are first generation applicants who benefit from clear guidance on:
College essays, FAFSA filing, and tribal scholarship processes
Identifying tuition waivers and Indigenous student programs
Visiting Native student centers and assessing cultural support on campus
How CollegeBound Journey Helps:
We provide a scholarship database of Native-focused scholarships and tuition support programs, as well as a college database that supports users to identify culturally supportive campuses. We do all the research so school counselors can focus on providing the best college counseling support and guidance.
Build Community with Best Practices for Native Students
Trust and partnership are essential. Counselors can strengthen relationships by:
Attending powwows or community events to listen and learn
Partnering with Indian Education staff, tribal liaisons, and elders
Creating family-friendly spaces that supports engagement, like feasts and potlucks with special speakers
How CollegeBound Journey Helps:
We offer resources for hosting culturally respectful college nights, family workshops, and student groups. Templates and visuals make outreach easier and more engaging.
Final Thoughts on Best Practices Native Students Benefit From
Supporting Native American high school students in college planning is not a checklist—it’s a commitment. When counselors adopt best practices Native students trust, they foster belonging, opportunity, and long-term success. Culturally grounded advising, collaboration with tribal communities, and access to the right tools all help Native youth move forward with confidence and pride.
To deepen your impact, consider exploring and integrating these trusted resources into your counseling practice:
- CollegeBound Journey An online platform dedicated to Native American student college planning, featuring podcasts, culturally aligned handouts, scholarship lists, and planning templates.
🔗 Visit CollegeBoundJourney.com » - American Indian College Fund Provides scholarships, college planning guidance, and Native student success stories. The site also hosts college readiness tools for high schoolers.
🔗 collegefund.org - Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) Chartered by tribes, TCUs offer culturally affirming higher education and community-focused programs. Great for students seeking Native faculty, language courses, and land-based learning.
🔗 AIHEC.org » - College Horizons A pre-college summer program that prepares Native high school students for college applications, admissions interviews, and financial aid.
🔗 collegehorizons.org - American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Supports Native students in STEM with scholarships, mentorships, and college-to-career pathways.
🔗 aises.org - Native Forward Scholars Fund Formerly known as the American Indian Graduate Center, this fund provides scholarships, fellowships, and student support for undergraduate and graduate Native students.
🔗 nativeforward.org
For more culturally grounded tools and ongoing inspiration, visit CollegeBoundJourney.com. Let’s continue walking alongside Native youth, lifting up their voices, honoring their identities, and supporting their dreams every step of the way.
