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College

Native Language Revitalization and College Planning: Language as Legacy for Native Youth

Across Indian Country, Native Language Revitalization and College Planning are becoming deeply connected pathways for empowering Native youth. As more schools, colleges, and communities strengthen Native language programs, counselors have an opportunity to integrate language identity directly into the college-going journey. For Native students, learning and speaking their language is

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Creating a college going culture for Native youth
College

Creating a College-Going Culture for Native Youth in Your School

Creating a college-going culture for Native youth requires more than test prep and deadlines. It’s about building an environment that respects culture, uplifts community, and provides clear steps to higher education. When schools use culturally responsive practices, Native students see college as more than an individual goal. They see it

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Shifting Trends in Native American–Friendly Colleges Insights from the CollegeBound Journey® Database
College

Shifting Trends in Native American Friendly Colleges

Every year, Four Directions Educational Consulting Services (4DECS) updates the CollegeBound Journey® College Search database to track how Native American friendly colleges are evolving. Our 2025 update shows both positive progress and concerning setbacks. From tuition waivers to cultural centers, the landscape for Native youth in higher education is shifting —

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Eastern Oregon University Blog
College

Eastern Oregon University Native American Student Support, Programs & Opportunities

Finding a college where you feel seen, supported, and connected to your culture can make all the difference. Eastern Oregon University Native American student support programs help students explore their identity while pursuing academic goals. Whether you’re drawn to their Native American Studies minor, campus cultural events, or financial supports

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ASU Blog
College

Native Student Support at ASU: A College Planning Spotlight

Native student support at ASU is a powerful example of how a university can center Indigenous students through culture, academics, and community. For Native teens and the educators who support them, choosing a college is not just about classes or credits—it is about finding a place where students feel seen,

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College Readiness

College Planning That Fits: A Cultural Approach for Native Students

When it comes to college planning for Native American youth, one-size-fits-all solutions fall short. Native students deserve a culturally responsive approach — one that honors who they are, where they come from, and where they’re going. At CollegeBound Journey, we believe college success happens when four essential elements come together:

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College Readiness

Best Practices to Support Native Students with College Planning

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

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Understanding Scholarship Eligibility for Native American Students
Scholarships

Understanding Scholarship Eligibility for Native American Students

Native American scholarship eligibility can be a somewhat confusing, but scholarships specifically designed for Native American students can provide crucial support for college attendance. However, eligibility for these scholarships can vary significantly based on Tribal enrollment status, descent, blood quantum, and self-identification. Understanding these terms can help students and their

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Careers

Career Clusters for Native American Students: A Pathway to Purpose

Finding a career path that aligns with personal passions and cultural identity is essential for Native American students. The CollegeBound Journey Career Cluster Guide is designed to help students explore career options that sustain, build, and empower Native communities. Based on the Advance CTE Career Clusters framework, this guide connects

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Careers

Empower Tribal Communities with the Career Cluster Assessment for Native American Students

Helping Native American high school students discover careers that sustain and empower Tribal communities is vital for future growth. The CollegeBound Journey’s Career Cluster Assessment for Native American Students is a culturally responsive tool designed to guide students in finding pathways that align with their passions and Tribal values. Why

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How to Prepare for College as a Native American Student Tips Tools and Resources
College Readiness

Native American Students & Preparing for College

Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging for any student, but for Native American students, there are unique opportunities and challenges that can shape their journey. From embracing cultural identity to finding the right support systems, preparing for college as a Native American student requires both practical steps and

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Finding the Right College for Native American Students A Guide to Cultural Fit
College Readiness

Finding the Right College for Native Students

Finding the Right College for Native American Students: A Guide to Cultural Fit Choosing the right college can be a life-changing decision, especially for Native students. It’s not just about finding a college with the right academic programs, but also one that aligns with cultural values and offers support for

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Supporting Native American Youth College Readiness 5 Key Tips
College Readiness

Supporting Native American Youth College Readiness: 5 Key Tips

Native American youth face distinct barriers in accessing higher education. Challenges such as cultural dissonance, financial constraints, and historical inequities can hinder their journey to college. However, with culturally responsive guidance, we can equip Native students with the tools they need to thrive. Here are five strategies to support Native

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Curriculum

Empowering Native Youth: The Unique Benefits of Culturally Responsive College Planning Sheets

In an era where education increasingly recognizes the need for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, the CollegeBound Journey planning sheets emerge as a vital resource for Native American youth. These planning sheets are not merely academic tools; they are comprehensive guides that integrate cultural identity, community engagement, and personal growth, setting

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Curriculum

New Resource…Native American High School College Planning Sheets

We have added a new resource for our BUNDLED account subscribers (schools, programs, agencies)…college planning sheets for high school Native youth. There are four sets of sheets: 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.  Our college planning sheets integrate culture and cultural supports, including mindsets, support systems, checklists,

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Native American College Planning Considerations4
College

Native American College Planning Considerations: Part 4

Native American college planning is a specialized area of concentration in school counseling and college counseling, which includes the concept of Native American college tuition supports. Providing this type of service requires specific training and expertise in culturally responsive counseling. Consider this recent Minnesota School Counselor Association article entitled “Cultivating

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Native American College Planning Considerations3
College

Native American College Planning Considerations: Part 3

Native American college planning is a specialized area of concentration in school counseling and college counseling, which includes the exploring cultural supports for Native students on campus.  Providing this type of service requires specific training and expertise in culturally responsive counseling. Consider this recent Minnesota School Counselor Association article entitled

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Native American College Planning Considerations2
College

Native American College Planning Considerations: Part 2

Native American college planning is a specialized area of concentration in school counseling and college counseling, which includes the identification of campus experiences for Native students.  Providing this type of service requires specific training and expertise in culturally responsive counseling. Consider this recent Minnesota School Counselor Association article entitled “Cultivating

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