Native American Education Program Goals and Services

Phoenix Union's Native American Education Program aims to:

Increase cultural awareness

Increase student academic performance

Increase student retention

Increase student graduation and college enrollment

Cultural Awareness

Students will have:

The opportunity to enroll into American Indian Studies courses at Gateway Community College, Phoenix College, and South Mountain Community College. Students will receive both high school and college credit for their courses. (A concurrent credit form must be completed.)

The opportunity to enroll into Navajo language courses through Phoenix College and South Mountain Community College. Students will receive both high school and college credits for their courses. (A concurrent credit form must be completed.)

The opportunity to attend Native American support groups on their campuses.

The opportunity to join Native American Youth Councils on their campuses and participate in cultural awareness activities.

Academic Performance

Advisors will:

Assess academic progress of students.

Meet with parents, teachers, and counselors to create student academic plans.

Provide progress reports to parents upon request.

Make referrals to campus tutoring programs.

Provide attendance contracts to students with low attendance.

Provide credit checks for all students.

Advocate for students and parents regarding Special Education IEPs and campus discipline hearings by request.

Process payments for class fees and supplies for students.

Make referrals to outside social service agencies with whom PXU/NAEP has agreements. These agencies specialize in Native American issues.

Student Retention

Students will meet with campus Native American student advisors to discuss attendance, academic, and personal issues. In an effort to help students stay in school, the advisors have established youth councils on some campuses to promote:

• Leadership skills
• Developing new friendships
• Participation in after school activities (service projects, basketball tournaments, fundraising, and cultural events)
• Student Graduation and College Enrollment

Students will meet with Native American Advisors during their senior year to discuss their high school credits, career plans, and college information.

Students will have an opportunity to enroll into college courses during their high school years through the Early-College Hoop of Learning Program. They can enroll in after school college courses at Phoenix College, Gateway Community College, and South Mountain Community College.