A first-of-its-kind project between NEFE and the American Indian College Fund (AICF) yielded a series of four booklets that provide inspiration and guidance to Native Americans seeking a higher education.
The series, titled Develop Your Vision While Attending College, was designed to meet the needs of Native Americans—who often are the first in their family or their community to pursue a college education. The booklets, Making the Decision to Attend College, Paying for a College Education, Managing Your Money, and Choosing Your Path—thoughtfully combine personal financial information with traditional and contemporary tribal and cultural values.
“This was our first effort in the Native American area,” said Brent Neiser, CFP®, NEFE director of Collaborative Programs. “The series deals with blending money, culture, and higher education in a culturally sensitive issue.”
Neiser explained that in the Native American culture, there can be barriers to going for a college education. One of those barriers is age—Native American students are typically older than other college students. Another barrier is culture. “Because money is looked at as a community ownership item, using it to pay for higher education can be seen as selfish,” Neiser said.
Yet, in many cases, a college education is “the only way out of poverty,” said David Cournoyer (Rosebud Sioux), AICF director of External Affairs.
Featuring personal stories of struggle and success by current and past Native American students, the booklets promote the benefits of a higher education in the Native American community.
“The goal of a college education is to give people a better life,” said Richard Williams (Oglala Sioux), AICF executive director. “Thanks to the National Endowment for Financial Education, these books will inspire more Indian students to pursue their vision.”
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