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Throughout our country, Native American children travel each day for hours across rugged and remote areas to attend school. These students often lack the simplest tools — such as paper, pencils, and notebooks — needed to participate in class.
Years of struggle take their toll on students. Today, only 17% of Native American high school graduates begin college. Of these, only one in five makes it through the academic, emotional, and financial stresses of the first year.
Yet, like all our children, these youngsters are inspired by the dream of a better future. Since 1997, the American Indian Education Foundation (AIEF) has given hope to Native American students by providing the tools they need to succeed.
- AIEF provides essential learning materials to needy Native American students of all ages through the School Supplies Program.
- AIEF enables Native American students to attend colleges or technical schools nationwide by offering several Scholarship Programs. In addition, free guidebooks available to students include Getting into College and the Scholarship Handbook. *
- AIEF helps college students stay in school through the Emergency Funds Program, which enables post-secondary schools to provide one-time assistance to students facing financial difficulties.
- AIEF creates new scholarship opportunities through a Challenge Grants Program that matches funds raised by participating colleges and universities to help Native American students.
OUR MISSION
To give Native American students the tools, resources, and opportunities to learn and succeed. By harnessing the power of knowledge, these future leaders can work to bring about positive changes in their own lives and their communities. |
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About Paula Long Fox Paula Long Fox is Chairperson of the American Indian Education Foundation (AIEF). She has been a teacher and guidance counselor since 1980, primarily in schools with majority-Native American enrollment.
Ms. Long Fox grew up in rural South Dakota. She received her Bachelor's degree in history and her Master's in School Administration and Counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. |
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