The addition of two Tribal Colleges to SFI’s network represents the nonprofit’s continued dedication to serving underrepresented communities
WASHINGTON, DC [March 11, 2025]—Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is proud to continue its commitment to Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with its partnership with White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) in Mahnomen, Minnesota, and Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) in Cass, Minnesota.
These partnerships will serve as a critical way to champion and support Indigenous higher education and are emblematic of SFI and its long-standing commitment to investing in underserved communities through the lens of education.
“It is an honor to join forces with both White Earth Tribal and Community College & Leech Lake Tribal College as we expand our services to support more students at Tribal Colleges and Universities. The growth of our partnership with TCUs is an expansion of SFI’s commitment to prepare students for in demand careers in critical industries. We look forward to our work together,” said SFI Board Chair Robert F. Smith.
“This collaboration marks a significant step towards empowering our students with the financial support and resources they need to succeed. By working together, we are not only investing in the future of our students but also in the future of our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our students’ educational journeys and beyond,” said WETCC President Anna Sheppard.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Student Freedom Initiative to create greater opportunities for our students and communities. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a quality higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values and our purpose to empower and uplift our learners, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed. Together we are building a stronger foundation for our students and the generations to come, “ said Leech Lake President Helen Montgomery, Ph.D.
“SFI’s goal is to build a future filled with prosperity for all students. This partnership with WETCC and Leech Lake Tribal College marks significant progress towards helping these students achieve financial freedom,” said Keith Shoates, SFI president and CEO.
White Earth Tribal and Community College and Leech Lake Tribal College are the fourth and fifth tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), respectively, to enter into partnership with SFI. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University in Hayward, Wisconsin, entered into a partnership with SFI in August 2023. SFI also welcomed Iḷisaġvik College in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, and Red Lake Nation College in Red Lake, Minnesota, in 2024.
With these new additions, nearly 70 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and TCUs are benefitting from one or more components of SFI’s programming across 22 states and U.S. territories, benefiting over 200,000 students.
The Student Freedom Initiative aims to reduce the wealth gap through the lens of education. Our mission is to provide freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions (“MSIs”) by increasing their social and economic mobility using a student centric, evidence based, holistic, and collaborative approach. Student Freedom Initiative supports students and institutions through four key levers:: (1) A private education loan alternative to Parent PLUS loans, (2) Internships and industry-driven certifications, (3) A microgrant program for emergencies and financial literacy tools (4) Institutional infrastructure upgrades. We collaborate with community-based organizations, businesses, and governmental entities to make sustainable, systemic changes to support the entire MSI ecosystem.
To date, the Student Freedom Initiative has received generous contributions from Robert F. Smith, Fund 2 Foundation, Cisco, Jane Street, Prudential Financial, First Republic, the Walmart Foundation, and Target. Ourprograms have been supported by the Business Roundtable’s Racial Equity & Justice Subcommittee on Education, and many others.
To learn more, visit https://StudentFreedomInitiative.org or follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) was established on September 9, 1997 by the White Earth Tribal Council per Tribal Resolution #038-97-005. On October 7, 1997 in a two-room humble building in downtown Mahnomen, Minnesota the White Earth Tribal and Community College opened its doors to 14 tribal students. WETCC continued to grow over the years and as additional classes were added, various buildings in downtown Mahnomen were used to house classrooms.
About Leech Lake Tribal College
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe established Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) by Tribal Resolution in July 1990. This year, 2025, we are celebrating our 35-year birthday! For the first two years, courses were offered in extension from the University of Minnesota at Duluth, Bemidji State University, Itasca and Brainerd Community Colleges. In 1994, the college was granted status as a Land Grant Institution by the United States Congress. The college was accredited as a post-secondary Vocational School in 1993. The college’s full accreditation status was granted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on September 26, 2006. Today, LLTC includes approximately 60 faculty, staff, administrators, and about 200-300 students. Most of our students come from the Leech Lake Reservation. Approximately 8% of the student population is non-Native American. We offer nine academic programs at the associates and one-year diploma levels: Liberal Education, Indigenous Leadership, Ojibwe language, Business Management, Law Enforcement, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Childhood Education Diploma, Integrated Residential Builder, Residential Carpentry Diploma, Electrical Technician Diploma, and Indigenous Science with emphases in Forest Ecology, Information technology, or Human Health. In addition to academic programs, LLTC offers a robust Extension program, which is dedicated to fostering community growth, resilience, and cultural preservation through educational outreach and practical initiatives. Rooted in Ojibwe values, our program empowers student and community members with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development, food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and cultural revitalization, and traditional practices.
The majority of our students go into the local workforce or transfer to four-year institutions to further pursue their education.