Discover Native American Pre-College Programs That Honor Culture and Build College Readiness

Explore enrichment and academic programs created to support Native youth in developing their identity, leadership skills, and college goals—while staying rooted in community and tradition.
Native American students participating in a college readiness summer camp

Start Here: Culturally Grounded Opportunities for Native Youth

Native American pre-college programs offer more than academics—they provide spaces where Native identity, culture, and future goals are honored. This search tool helps families, school counselors, and educators find programs that support college readiness while celebrating culture.

Why Native American Pre-College Programs Matter

Programs rooted in Indigenous values help students thrive academically and personally. From language immersion to STEM pathways, these programs affirm identity and expand opportunity.

Example:

Integrating traditional language, values, and ways into one’s daily life can be as meaningful as attending programs like the Niibing Immersion Academy, where students deepen their connection to Ojibwe language and culture through seasonal activities and immersion.

Who Should Use This Search Tool?

This resource is designed for:

  • Educators and school counselors seeking culturally aligned programs

  • Indian Education staff building student supports

  • Families exploring opportunities for Native youth

  • Students looking to grow through culturally-connected college prep

How to Use the Native American Pre-College Program Search Tool

Use the filters to sort by grade level, focus area (STEM, arts, leadership, etc.), cultural component, and location. Each listing includes a program overview, eligibility, links, and application deadlines.

Featured Native American Pre-College Programs

  • College Horizons – College readiness support with Indigenous mentors

  • Dartmouth Fly-In – Connects Native youth to mentors and campus life

  • Nizhoni Academy at NAU – Strengthens academic identity and accountability

  • IndigeSTEAM or AISES programs – Culturally connected STEM experiences

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?

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Recommend a Program to Add

Know of a Native American pre-college program we should include? Help us grow this resource by sharing information about programs that support Indigenous youth.

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