Turtle Island Resources

Tag: school

  • Native American Children

    Native American Children

    🎓 Education & Scholarships

    • American Indian College Fund – Early Childhood Education
      • Supports early learning programs for Native children.
      • 🔗 College Fund
    • National Indian Education Association (NIEA)
      • Advocates for better education for Native children.
      • 🔗 NIEA
    • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) – K-12 Programs
      • STEM education programs and mentorship for Native youth.
      • 🔗 AISES K-12
    • Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Program
      • Provides funding for academic support, tutoring, and cultural programs for Native students.
      • 🔗 JOM Program

    Several programs and organizations that provide school supplies and related support for Native American children:

    🎒 1. Running Strong for American Indian Youth® – StudyStrong Program

    • What They Do: Distribute thousands of backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Native American students across tribal communities.
    • Impact: In 2024, they shipped 9,000 backpacks to students, helping them start the school year prepared and confident.
    • How to Access: Schools and tribal organizations can partner with Running Strong to receive these supplies. (StudyStrong…9000 Backpacks for 9000 Students – Indian Youth, Native American Youth Programs)

    📚 2. Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) – American Indian Education Fund (AIEF)

    • What They Do: Provide backpacks filled with school supplies to Native students, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on families.
    • Impact: Collaborate with program partners to distribute supplies, ensuring students have the necessary tools for academic success.
    • How to Access: Schools and organizations can apply to become program partners with PWNA. (School Supplies Relieve Stress on Native Families – PWNA)

    🏫 3. Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Program – Cherokee Nation

    • What They Do: Offer educational support, including school supplies, to eligible Native American students enrolled in public schools.
    • Impact: Enhance student achievement through academic and cultural education initiatives.
    • How to Access: Families can contact their local JOM coordinator or the Cherokee Nation Education Services for more information. (Johnson O’Malley Program – Cherokee Nation Education Services)

    🛍️ 4. Kids In Need Foundation (KINF)

    • What They Do: Provide free school supplies to teachers in underserved schools, benefiting students in need.
    • Impact: Through their National Network of Resource Centers, teachers can “shop” for supplies to support their classrooms.
    • How to Access: Teachers can find a local Resource Center through the KINF website. (Programs and Initiatives – Kids In Need Foundation)

    🌟 5. Heart of America – Indigenous Initiatives

    • What They Do: Distribute essential resources, including school supplies and art materials, to Native American students and families.
    • Impact: Supported over 10,000 students and families, enhancing learning environments and opportunities.
    • How to Access: Schools and organizations can partner with Heart of America for resource distribution. (Native American Initiatives – Heart of America)

    🏘️ 6. Local Tribal Education Departments

    • What They Do: Many tribal education departments offer programs that provide school supplies and support to Native American students.
    • How to Access: Families should contact their respective tribal education departments to inquire about available resources.

    Note: Availability of programs and resources may vary by location and eligibility criteria. It’s recommended to reach out directly to the organizations or local tribal education departments for the most current information and application procedures.

    🌿 Health & Wellness

    • We R Native – Youth Health & Wellness
      • Provides health, mental wellness, and cultural identity resources.
      • 🔗 We R Native
    • IHS Early Childhood Health Program
    • StrongHearts Native Helpline
      • Support for families and children facing domestic violence.
      • 📞 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
      • 🔗 StrongHearts

    📖 Cultural & Language Preservation

    • First Nations Development Institute – Language & Culture Revitalization
      • Supports Native language programs for children.
      • 🔗 First Nations
    • Native Languages of the Americas
      • Offers resources to help children learn Indigenous languages.
      • 🔗 Native Languages
    • National Museum of the American Indian – Kids’ Resources
      • Online learning materials about Native cultures and history.
      • 🔗 NMAI Kids

    💡 Child & Family Support

    • Boys & Girls Club of America – Native Services
    • Center for Native American Youth (CNAY)
      • Leadership programs and support for Native youth.
      • 🔗 CNAY
    • Native Wellness Institute
      • Programs focused on mental health, wellness, and family support.
      • 🔗 Native Wellness

    🚀 Fun & Learning Activities

    • Indigenous STEAM
      • Hands-on science, technology, and cultural learning activities for Native kids.
      • 🔗 Indigenous STEAM
    • PBS Kids – Molly of Denali
      • An educational show with Native storytelling and culture.
      • 🔗 Molly of Denali
    • NASA Indigenous Education Resources

    Here are several enriching summer programs and activities available in 2025 for Native American youth, focusing on cultural education, outdoor adventures, STEM, arts, and leadership development:

    🌿 Cultural & Outdoor Adventure Camps

    • Robert Sundance Summer Camp (Los Angeles, CA)
      Hosted by United American Indian Involvement (UAII), this free camp offers activities like horseback riding, archery, swimming, and cultural events for Native youth aged 5–12. Teens aged 13–18 can participate as Counselors in Training. (Robert Sundance Summer Camp for American Indian)
    • Camp Rise (Portland, OR)
      Organized by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), Camp Rise is a free program for 2nd–8th graders. Activities include STEAM projects, Indigenous games, archery, hiking, gardening, and cultural arts. (Camp Rise | Native American Youth and Family Center)
    • Camp Tonkawa (Texas)
      This camp explores the traditions of the Tonkawa and other Plains Indian tribes through engaging activities, fostering respect for Native American heritage. (Native American Indian Camp – Camp Tonkawa)

    🧬 STEM & Leadership Programs

    • Summer Youth Practicum (Nationwide)
      Offered by the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, this program provides high school students (incoming 10th–12th graders) with hands-on experience in natural resource management and Indigenous knowledge. (Summer Youth Practicum – Native American Fish and Wildlife Society)
    • National Native American Youth Initiative (Washington, D.C.)
      Organized by the Association of American Indian Physicians, this program selects AI/AN students aged 16–18 interested in health careers for a week-long experience in Washington, D.C. (National Native American Youth Initiative)
    • IndigeChoice Programs (North Carolina)
      The Lumbee Tribe offers various camps, including Biomedical Camp, Historical Events Camp, and university tours for rising 9th–12th graders, focusing on STEM education and cultural enrichment. (IndigeChoice Programs – Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina)

    🏀 Sports & Cultural Preservation

    🎨 Arts & Cultural Enrichment

    🌱 Additional Resources

    • Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA)
      AAIA offers funding for summer camps that connect Native youth with cultural experiences while teaching subjects related to physical and emotional well-being. (Association on American Indian Affairs)
    • Seattle Public Schools Native American Education Program (Washington State)
      Provides a comprehensive list of summer camp opportunities for Native students throughout Washington State, including health sciences camps and cultural programs. (Summer Camp Opportunities 2025 – Seattle Public Schools)

    Also consider exploring local tribal organizations, community centers, or educational institutions that may offer or have information on regional programs tailored for Native American youth. Additionally, many national programs offer virtual participation options or travel assistance. Local libraries often offer youth programs and the availability to check out local zoo, aquarium, and other passes for card holders.