June 28, 2012

Program introduces Native students to college experience

For the second summer, Lewis & Clark welcomed Native American high school students to campus, introducing them to the college experience through a free two-week residential summer program.

For the second summer, Lewis & Clark welcomed Native American high school students to campus, introducing them to the college experience through a free two-week residential summer program.

The class of 24 included student Jerome Massad, a senior at David Douglas High School with Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs heritage, who has turned a 1.7 GPA into a place on the honor roll during his time in high school.

“I really want to be successful,” Massad told the Oregonian, “so I can get involved and be a positive role model.”

Students attending the Indigenous Ways of Knowing (IWOK) summer academy receive intense SAT preparation as well as an introduction to the liberal arts through a Native lens. Family involvement in the program is strongly encouraged.

 

“It’s about a desire to lead,” said IWOK coordinator Se-ah-dom Edmo. “These are students who are serious about service and their desire to make a difference in their tribes and communities.”

Learn more about the IWOK summer academy in this Oregonian article.