Native Forward Scholars Fund

One week until the legacy continues. ⏳

The Native Forward alumni network is built on a foundation of resilience, intellect, and professional excellence. As former scholarship recipients, you know firsthand the power of opportunity—and you hold the capability to fund the next generation of leadership.

When alumni give back, the impact is immediate and precise:

🔹 $5,700 is the average annual award for a first-generation undergraduate scholar, establishing a foundation for academic success.

🔹 $11,700 is the average annual award for a graduate scholar, accelerating advanced expertise and career leadership.

Your achievements set a high standard. In 7 days, let’s empower the scholars ready to meet it.

Calling Native Forward Alumni! 🚨

There’s still time to make your voice heard! Take just 15 minutes to complete the Native Forward Alumni Survey and help us better understand the impact of scholarship funding and how you'd like to engage with the Native Forward alumni community moving forward.

As a thank you, participants will be entered into a drawing to win Native Forward swag and prizes 🎉

Check your email for the survey link OR contact [email protected] for access!

Every investment in Native students is an investment in the future.

For more than 55 years, Native Forward has empowered Native students through scholarships, resources, and a supportive community. When Native scholars succeed, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom—strengthening families, communities, and future generations.

Be a part of our impact and help support the next generation of Native leaders.

Donate today! https://www.nativeforward.org/donate-now/

Today, we honor Juneteenth and celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black communities.

At Native Forward, we acknowledge the shared histories of resilience and self-determination among Black and Native communities. Together, we continue working toward a future where all people have equitable access to opportunity, education, and the support needed to thrive.

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A few of our favorite moments from our 2026 Empowering Scholars Summit, captured by our incredible scholars who made this year's Summit so special. ❤️

Meet Bentlee Falcon, our May Undergraduate Student of the Month! 👏

A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota from Belcourt, North Dakota, Bentlee is pursuing degrees in Land Management, Biology, and Natural Resources at Turtle Mountain Community College, where he maintains a 3.81 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors.

Bentlee’s journey is rooted in leadership, service, and environmental stewardship. As he shares, “I continue to be challenged, I overcome them throughout my daily life. I show generations how important our environment is to keep going.”

A dedicated advocate for his community, Bentlee has volunteered through Tribal Youth Summer Programs, contributed to community initiatives focused on public health, housing, and cultural preservation, and currently serves as Vice President of Student Council. He is also the first student in his region selected for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Pathways Program, where he works and learns in land and natural resource management.

Bentlee’s commitment to creating positive change extends beyond the classroom. From helping secure funding for his college’s first archery program to advocating for environmental protection and community improvement, he continues to use his voice to uplift others and strengthen his Nation. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Bentlee!

Celebrating our May Graduate Student of the Month, Jeremie Allen! 👏

A citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jeremie is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership at Southern Nazarene University, where he maintains a 3.77 GPA.

Jeremie’s journey is grounded in service, mentorship, and empowering the next generation. As he shares, “My pursuit of education is not solely for myself, nor is it only for my family. It is for my community.”

As a Special Education teacher and coach within Oklahoma City Public Schools, Jeremie works daily with students from high-poverty backgrounds, providing academic instruction, behavioral support, and mentorship. Through coaching football and track and field, he uses athletics as a platform to teach discipline, accountability, teamwork, and resilience while helping student-athletes prepare for success beyond high school.

Having returned to the same community that shaped his own upbringing, Jeremie is committed to helping students overcome barriers and recognize their potential. Through education, coaching, and advocacy, he continues to create opportunities for underserved youth and demonstrate the power of perseverance, leadership, and service. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Jeremie!

Moments from our 2026 Empowering Scholars Summit! 🧡

Over the weekend, Native Forward scholars, Team Leads, Staff, and Partners came together to foster meaningful connections, engage in important conversations about Native higher education, and strengthen the community that supports Native scholars across the country.

From inspiring student speaker sessions to share meals, new friendships and plenty of laughs along the way, this year’s Summit was a reminder of what is possible when Native students are supported and celebrated.

Thank you to every scholar, presenter, leader, staff member, and supporter who helped make this experience so special. We head into the week energized and inspired for all that is to come.

A special thank you to our sponsors for helping make this year’s Summit a success. With your support, Native students are able to come together in this community, continue to pursue their educational goals, and carry that knowledge and inspiration forward. Thank you!

Cherokee Nation Turquoise Sky Group .stanley and First American Petroleum!

The countdown to this year's Empowering Scholars Summit is on! 🎉

As we prepare to welcome this year's scholars later this week, we're reflecting on moments from last summer – new connections, shared learning, and a community of Native scholars committed to supporting one another's growth and success!

Every summer, our Empowering Scholars Summit brings together emerging leaders from across Indian Country to learn from peers and mentors, build lasting relationships, and strengthen the skills needed to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

We're looking forward to another year of meaningful conversations, new opportunities, and the connections that continue long after the summit ends.
See you soon scholars!