Enhancing AI High School Student Success: A Work in Progress

This paper describes the first-year activities of a five-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Indian Education Demonstration Grants for Indian Children program. The project brings students, families, the tribal government, and the tribal community together to improve the lives and education of students, as well as their families and community, through a comprehensive change in school culture. The project utilizes a unique, multifaceted approach to offer academic and student support; a four-year Biomedical Science program; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) enrichment; professional development; and community engagement. The overall goal is to assist American Indian (AI) students in making successful transitions to post-secondary educational and career pathways, particularly in STEM fields. The paper describes the work-in-progress and lessons learned, shedding light on current issues in education and encouraging open dialogue about improving the lives of students, families, and communities