Discover Native American Pre-College Programs That Honor Culture and Build College Readiness
Native American pre-college programs empower high school students to explore their strengths, culture, and potential college paths. This tool connects Native families and educators to summer programs, leadership experiences, and academic support rooted in Indigenous perspectives.
Integrating traditional language, values, and ways into one’s daily life.
Find out how the Native OKStars Summer Research Program culture and STEM to promote a college mindset.
Influential connection to Native community, including Elders and mentors.
Learn how Dartmouth’s Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) connects Native youth to mentors for college preparation.
Strong sense of identity, accountability, and responsibility.
Discover how NAU’s Nizhoni Academy supports Native youth to reach for high expectations and college.
Supporting Native Students with Culturally Responsive College Prep
Finding the right college starts early—especially for Native students seeking spaces that affirm identity, culture, and community. The CollegeBound Journey® Pre-College Search Tool helps families, school counselors, and Indian Education staff discover opportunities that support students academically while honoring their cultural values.
Whether you’re looking for summer enrichment, college fly-ins, or residential programs for high school students, we’ve made it easier to find the right fit.
Why Native American Pre-College Programs Matter
Native American pre-college programs offer more than academics—they provide a culturally supportive environment that fosters confidence, community, and college readiness.
Programs like Indigenous summer camps, STEM initiatives, and college fly-ins are designed to increase Native youth participation in higher education, promote identity development, and bridge opportunity gaps.
Who Should Use This Search Tool?
The CollegeBound Journey® Pre-College Search Tool is ideal for:
Educators seeking culturally responsive programming to recommend
Indian Education staff planning student opportunities
Families and caregivers helping youth prepare for college
Students exploring college readiness and leadership options
How to Use the Native American Pre-College Program Search Tool
Use the filters below to sort programs by grade level, interest area (like STEM, arts, or leadership), or cultural focus. Each listing includes direct links, application timelines, and information about tribal partnerships, cost, and academic focus.
Tip for educators: Bookmark this tool for year-round use when creating student success plans or making referrals to enrichment programs.
Featured Native American Pre-College Programs
Sampling of our database:
College Horizons – A pre-college summer program for Native high school students focused on college admissions, identity, and leadership.
Natives in STEM Summer Institute – A hands-on STEM experience for Indigenous youth interested in science and engineering.
Dartmouth Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) – A selective college visit experience centered on Indigenous student experiences.
Explore More: Videos, FAQs, and Helpful Resources
Check out on how a pre-college search is completed within CollegeBound Journey®
FAQs
All of the pre-college and cultural programs within our platform are located within the United States. Some are offered directly through colleges, others through specific Tribes, and still others through specific Native programs.
We update information throughout the year as new information becomes available. We review every pre-college and summer opportunity in our database by March of each year.
These experiences are continuously adjusting their programming based on student needs and available funding. CollegeBound Journey strives to provide up-to-date information. Please refer to our Disclaimer page. We invite program notifications and edits on our Contact page.
Many of the programs and opportunities rely heavily on external funding. If the funding is no longer available, the program usually concludes. If this is the case, we will remove the opportunity from the database.
High school age group: 14 – 18 year-olds.
Ready to support Native students on their college journey?
Use the CollegeBound Journey® Pre-College Search Tool to explore Native American pre-college programs that center identity, culture, and future success.
