Culturally Responsive College Counseling Curriculum and Resources for Native Youth
Why Native Students Benefit from a Culturally Responsive College Counseling Curriculum
Too often, Native students face barriers to college because traditional advising doesn’t reflect their values, identity, or lived experience. According to national data, Native youth have the lowest college enrollment and completion rates—and most school-based support lacks cultural relevance.
The CollegeBound Journey® curriculum was developed to close this gap with a culturally responsive college counseling curriculum rooted in Native worldviews, community connections, and student strengths.
What’s Included in the Curriculum Package
Every unit in our Native American college counseling curriculum integrates culturally grounded practices, real-world planning tools, and activities that speak directly to Native student experiences.
Curriculum features:
College exploration lessons for grades 9–12
Medicine Wheel–aligned goal setting and identity work
Lessons on scholarships, pre-college programs, and tribal college pathways
Activities to elevate student voice, community values, and self-determination
Designed for individual, small group, or classroom delivery
Curriculum, lesson plans, and guides are included for FREE with a paid school or program subscription plan.
How the Native American College Counseling Curriculum Aligns to ASCA and SEL Standards
The CollegeBound Journey® curriculum aligns with national frameworks while honoring tribal perspectives. Perfect for Indian Education programs and school counselors seeking equitable outcomes.
Key alignments:
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors
CASEL social-emotional learning competencies
Tier 2 and Tier 3 college and career readiness programming
Culturally affirming content adaptable across schools and tribal education settings
How Schools and Programs Are Using This Curriculum
Across school districts and tribal communities, educators are embedding this Native American college counseling curriculum into:
Indian Education programs and high school advisory
After-school and summer bridge programs
Targeted small groups for Native youth
Senior year transition planning
State and federal grant-funded college readiness initiatives
“Our students feel seen. This curriculum gives them a foundation for setting goals that reflect who they are.”
— Indian Education School Counselor, MN
Examples of Curriculum Lessons and Counseling Resources
The CollegeBound Journey® curriculum and resources includes a wide variety of flexible, culturally relevant resources tailored for Native American high school students. Each lesson is designed to be interactive, identity-affirming, and aligned with college readiness milestones.
Sample Lessons:
- CollegeBound Journey™ Scavenger Hunt
- Completing a College Search in CollegeBound Journey™
- Native American Career Exploration BINGO
Sample Curriculum:
- CollegeBound Path Group
- Career Path Group
- My Ninth Grade Journey
Other Resources:
- Family Night Guides
- Yearly College Planning Sheets
- Cultural Fit Questionnaire for Evaluating Colleges
- Poster Packs
Get Started with the CollegeBound Journey® Curriculum
Whether you serve five Native students or 500, our curriculum and resources provide a scalable solution grounded in cultural respect and professional best practices.
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Read the blog: Best Practices to Support Native Students with College Planning