According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, just 19 percent of Native Americans ages 18 to 24 are enrolled in a college program, compared to 41 percent of the overall population.
Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) wants to change this trend. Our work with Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) centers around one simple-yet-powerful promise: To accelerate opportunities for higher education institutions and students in tribal communities.
Through public and private partnerships, Student Freedom Initiative aims to find solutions to college student recruitment and retention, broadband deserts, vulnerable cybersecurity infrastructure, alternative energy and limited internships.
Through our strategic partnership with the internXL.org program, Fortune 500 companies will have access to qualified, diverse, entry-level talent from participating institutions. With more than 220 companies and 14,000 pre-qualified students, matches are bound to be made.
InternXL’s platform also has over 1,300 course learning management systems as well as the ability for students to obtain certificates in cloud, cybersecurity, Salesforce and project management.
SFI believes that Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other minority-serving institutions, have the ability to impact and alter industrial and business systems, environmental challenges and societal problems. These institutions also have a passion for perpetuating their unique culture and shared languages and preserving their cherished land.
Student Freedom Intitiave is looking for TCUs with open minds and curious students to join our mission and vision. Together, we can improve economic mobility, enhance earning power, create high-level research and sustain traditional knowledge through the lens of education.
To partner with us, please contact Toney Begay: tbegay@studentfreedominitiative.org.