American Indian Higher Education Consortium

American Indian Higher Education Consortium is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Tribal Colleges and Universities in the United States. The organization was established in 1973 by the presidents of the first six Tribal Colleges, including Navajo Community College, Haskell Indian Junior College, Si Tanka University, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, Diné College, and Sinte Gleska University. The consortium is dedicated to promoting and supporting the unique needs of Native American students and communities, and its members include institutions such as Blackfeet Community College, College of Menominee Nation, and Fort Peck Community College. The organization works closely with other Native American organizations, such as the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund, to advance the interests of Native American people.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to the early 1970s, when Native American leaders such as Wilma Mankiller and Vine Deloria Jr. recognized the need for Tribal Colleges to have a unified voice in Washington, D.C.. The organization was formally established in 1973, and its first president was Robert Peacock, who served as the president of Diné College. Since its inception, the organization has worked to promote the interests of Tribal Colleges and their students, and has collaborated with other organizations such as the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, National Indian Education Association, and the Native American Journalists Association. The organization has also worked closely with Congressional leaders such as Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative Morris Udall to advance the interests of Native American people. Additionally, the organization has partnered with institutions such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Arizona to provide opportunities for Native American students.

● Membership

The organization has a diverse membership of Tribal Colleges and Universities, including institutions such as Little Big Horn College, Northwest Indian College, and Sisseton Wahpeton College. The organization's members are located in Arizona, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and other states with significant Native American populations. The organization also has affiliate members, including institutions such as University of Montana, Montana State University, and South Dakota State University, which offer programs and services to Native American students. The organization's members work together to share best practices, develop new programs and services, and advocate for the interests of Native American students and communities. The organization has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the American Council on Education, to advance the interests of Native American students.

● Programs and Services

The organization offers a range of programs and services to its members, including professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and advocacy support. The organization's programs and services are designed to help Tribal Colleges build their capacity, improve their academic programs, and increase their enrollment and retention rates. The organization also offers programs and services to support Native American students, including scholarships, internships, and career counseling. The organization has partnered with institutions such as Stanford University, University of Michigan, and University of Washington to provide opportunities for Native American students. Additionally, the organization has worked with organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, and Lumina Foundation to support the development of Tribal Colleges.

● Advocacy and Policy

The organization is a strong advocate for the interests of Native American students and communities, and works to influence Congressional policy and Executive branch decision-making. The organization's advocacy efforts focus on issues such as Tribal sovereignty, Native American education, and health care, and the organization works closely with other Native American organizations, such as the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund, to advance the interests of Native American people. The organization has also worked with Department of Education officials, such as Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, to develop policies and programs that support the unique needs of Native American students. The organization has also partnered with institutions such as University of California, Los Angeles, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to provide opportunities for Native American students.

● Institutional Members

The organization has a diverse membership of Tribal Colleges and Universities, including institutions such as Bay Mills Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, and Chief Dull Knife College. The organization's institutional members are located in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Minnesota, and other states with significant Native American populations. The organization's institutional members offer a range of academic programs, including associate's and bachelor's degrees in fields such as Business administration, Education, and Environmental science. The organization's institutional members also offer programs and services to support Native American students, including counseling, academic advising, and cultural activities. The organization has collaborated with institutions such as Dartmouth College, Brown University, and University of Pennsylvania to provide opportunities for Native American students. Additionally, the organization has worked with organizations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support the development of Tribal Colleges. Category:Native American organizations