Welcome to the Native American Student Advocacy Institute (NASAI) Advocacy and Access Community. Regardless of whether you have attended NASAI conferences in the past, you are invited to participate in community discussions. For those who have attended an advocacy and access conference, you may apply for additional access to resources by visiting here.
Conference History: A Glimpse at Our Past
In May 2008, the first NASAI conference was held in partnership with Diné College, the first tribally controlled community college in the United States. The inaugural conference titled: “Keeping the Fire Burning: Ensuring Postsecondary Access and Excellence for Native American Students” gathered 183 student advocates from 28 states and the District of Columbia. Attendees were asked to consider how to best influence senior-level administrators and policymakers to better support and strengthen education programs for Native students.
College Board launched NASAI with the goal of partnering with existing organizations and institutions to help strengthen the education pipeline for American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. NASAI seeks to galvanize and build national networks to support Native students academically while addressing systemic inequalities and eliminating education barriers. Visit the NASAI website to learn more.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
The NASAI conference has become a significant gathering of committed change makers working to improve postsecondary access and opportunities for students. At the conference, participants discuss new solutions, share best practices, and collaborate with colleagues to make a difference for students. We are all passionate about this work and committed to providing equal opportunities for Native students.
Let us continue the conversation here and work together to clear a path for Native students to own their future.
