The AIR Program was created for the youth in our community to succeed in academics and in life. To do this we bring in our cultural and community values, our understanding of our past, and our optimism for our youth's future to this program. We firmly believe in our community and the youth, that will someday, lead us, to greater achievements that we have never imagined. It is our program aspiration to ignite that spark that will lead each of our Native Youth to a greater future. Thank you for considering our program.
AIR Program Projects
Our AIR Program projects are currently AIR Sr. and AIR Jr. Both programs deal similarly with our student participants.
- We bring students onto the university campus to acclimate the students to the atmosphere. We have found that one of the greatest fears of higher education is the campus and social atmosphere that exits there. To overcome this we bring the students onto campus to give them the feel of the campus and to show them, that students attending the university, are no different than themselves. Using this approach we have noticed a greater confidence in the student participants when discussing higher education and motivation in attending.
- We mentor the students with existing college students and alumni. Who better to explain college than those who have been there or are currently attending. We also believe in diversity and encourage both American Indian and Non-Native students to mentor. This in turn helps to prepare the student participant for the future as American Indians represent less than 1% of the student population at most universities and colleges.
- We also use a topical approach within our schedule, where we use a Native specific topic to have the student participant research while in the program. This allows us to demonstrate research methodology where our mentors guides them through this. In turn, the student becomes familiar with the university research facility (the library), and is able to visit some of the departments that touch these varying topics.
- We offer time to tutor the student, should they have any questions. All student mentors have gone through the rigors of qualifying to enter each university they represent and therefore have greater qualifications than most when it comes to tutoring. Congratulations on making it into college/
- Finally, this is an after-school program designed so that we can have fun through socialization with each other and our mentors, and the program activities we do.
Guidelines
For our students who are participating or wanting to participate in our program, here are a couple of rules that should be followed:
- Listen to others and participate in group discussion
- Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself
- No swearing or crude comments
- No eating while there is a lecture, presentation, or group activity going on
- Be respectful of other people's beliefs and values. We are all different and that is the beauty of meeting people of all backgrounds. You may hear something that you may not agree with but instead of attacking the person verbally, just listen and try to appreciate a different view.
- Do not disrupt other student's learning
- No vandalism. The University is welcoming you to their campus. Please show respect and do not destroy the property
- The most important rule of all: HAVE FUN! We want you to enjoy yourself while you are learning and making new friends.
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