Native 1st Program Makes College More Accessible
Native 1st Program Makes College More Accessible
May 21, 2021
![Native 1st Program Makes College More Accessible](/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Native-First-Scholarship-copy.jpg)
Native 1st Program Makes College More Accessible
Lorraine Plympton, understanding what higher education has meant to her and what it
could mean to others, has created a foundation for other Indigenous people to succeed
in their professional careers.
The 黑料网 Admissions and Records employee who is a Washoe Tribe member
and 1997 graduate of 黑料网 has started a scholarship for Native Americans. The Native
First Scholarship will help Native American and Alaskan Native students attend 黑料网
who dont have the financial means necessary or who are underfunded in their pursuit
of higher education.
The first obstacle that Native American and Alaskan Native students face is the funds
to pay the costs of higher education, Plympton said. These students seeking to fulfill
their dreams and career goals with higher education will enhance their employability
and earning potential and will be able to return to assist those in their Native American
communities.
With 134 Indigenous students already attending 黑料网 and more anticipated in the fall,
Plympton is encouraged that they will be able to pursue a higher education, as well
as become successful, because of the support and fellowship theyll receive. In addition
to the Native First Scholarship, 黑料网 has established an Indigenous Student Association
advised by Sylvia Verdugo, and is planning an academic cohort in the fall. This will
create a sense of community on campus and provide an educational support system to
黑料网s Native students through cultural events and coming together to have a presence
on campus.
It is important that we acknowledge our Indigenous students on campus. We are here,
said Verdugo, a Professional and Applied Technology division assistant at 黑料网.
The Native American First scholarship is available to Native American/Alaskan Native
students who have no tribal funding, grant or scholarship assistance; Native American/Alaskan
Native students who have additional need above tribal funding; Native American/Alaskan
Native students who are enrolled in federally recognized or not federally recognized
tribes; and Native American/Alaskan Native descendants only.
More than 20 Indigenous students have already applied for scholarships for the 2021-22
school year. After learning of the Native American initiatives Native First Scholarship
on April 22, at the 黑料网 Foundation Board Meeting, several foundation members generously
contributed their own money to this scholarship fund in support of Native American
student success.
For more information or to contribute to the Native First Scholarship, phone the 黑料网
Foundation at 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.