Discover what’s next. While at University of Idaho, Jessica Matsaw realized something big — there’s no one-size-fits-all way to teach, especially in Native American communities. Jessica, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, was part of a small group of Native students in U of I’s Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP). She was challenged to rethink conventional education and explore innovative ways to bring tribal culture and values into the classroom. Now, she wants to use what she’s learned as a secondary art teacher on the Fort Hall Reservation in southeastern Idaho — combining her passions in sociology, education and art to teach her tribe’s youth about their heritage. At U of I, Jessica made bold discoveries about herself and the world, and she continues to be inspired to create powerful change in her own tribal community. Jessica is BREAKING THROUGH to a future of great things. And you will too.
“I am invested in the education system because I am a mother and member of my community, and education impacts both. Being a good mother and good relative to my tribal community is my life’s work.”
Jessica Matsaw CLASS OF ’18 SOCIOLOGY FORT HALL, IDAHO
Connect to Your U of I Community Native American Student Center (NASC)
LIFE
CAMPUS LIFE At U of I, you’ll create a family away from home with other Native students, faculty, staff and alumni. You’ll discover new opportunities and surprising things about yourself, while staying firmly grounded in your tribal identity and cultural heritage.
Here, you’ll experience the best of college life, and living on our beautiful residential campus will put you at the center of it all. Get active in clubs, meet up with friends and mentors, and take part in campus events and leadership activities. On a campus and in a community with so much to offer, you’ll be surrounded by a network of support and tradition that will help you thrive. Discover more about opportunities for Native students at U of I: uidaho.edu/native-resources
NASC is the heart of Native student life, with tribal networking and social events, leadership and professional development programs, peer mentoring and cultural activities. You’ll connect with mentors, friends, staff and faculty who will help you adjust and make the most of your college experience.
Get Involved
Indigenous Nations Scholars Training for Excellence Program (INSTEP) INSTEP is an effective student retention and tribal leadership program, implemented by the Native American Student Center. Through INSTEP, you’ll go beyond your degree program by incorporating your cultural knowledge and skills into your U of I experience as you prepare for leadership in your tribal community.
Cultural Events
Native American Student Association (NASA)
Native American Heritage Month
Through the NASA student club, you’ll get involved in social activities and campus-wide events focused on preserving cultural heritage and identity among Native American students.
Celebrate tradition with education programs, music, art and other cultural activities throughout the month of November.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Are you majoring in science, technology, engineering or math? AISES will help you explore your career path and connect with other students and professionals nationwide. Plus, you’ll have special access to scholarships, internships, national conferences and networking opportunities.
Tutxinmepu Powwow Join our Native American students in a celebration of culture in the Kibbie Dome. The annual, studentfacilitated Tutxinmepu Powwow has been going for the last twenty years and gathers dancers, drummers and visitors the first weekend of April.
Vandal Nation Singers Participate in weekly drum practice or attend a performance by this all Native American student drum group.
VALUE VALUE We want to help make a quality education affordable. That’s why we award more than $25 million in scholarships each year, including unique opportunities for Native American students.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and application for admission to be automatically considered for scholarships and other financial aid. No separate application is required. Learn more about scholarships available to Native American students at uidaho.edu/your-scholarships.
Tribal Excellence Scholarship Get In-State Tuition If you live outside of Idaho, you may qualify to save big on tuition through the Tribal Excellence Scholarship Program. This program waives out-of-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students who are members of tribes that hold a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U of I. The renewable award is also available to students transferring to U of I from an accredited tribal college or university.
Interested? Follow these steps: 1. Indicate your enrolled tribe on your U of I application 2. Submit your tribal enrollment card to the Native American Student Center If you qualify, you will receive an outof-state tuition waiver, paying only the in-state tuition rate.
Ready to get started?
How can we help?
Send us the following information to be automatically considered for scholarships and other financial aid:
n Application for admission (no fee for Idaho resident students)
n Official high school transcript n ACT or SAT scores (if not already on your high school transcript)
n Previous college academic records (transfer students)
What are you waiting for? Visit uidaho.edu/get-started today.
Sydel Samuels Director Native American Student Center Call: 208-885-2332 ssamuels@uidaho.edu
Memorandum of Understanding Tribes: n The Coeur d'Alene Tribe n The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
n The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
n The Kalispel Tribe of Indians n The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho n Nez Perce Tribe n Shoshone-Bannock Tribes n Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the
Duck Valley Indian Reservation
n Spokane Tribe of Indians n Confederated Tribes and Bands
Yolanda Bisbee Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of Tribal Relations Call: 208-885-2468 yobiz@uidaho.edu
of the Yakama Nation
Office of Admissions futurevandals@uidaho.edu 1-88-88-UIDAHO (toll-free) 208-885-6163
uidaho.edu/for-the-tradition