Now that the summer beach reading season has ended, I’d like to recommend a good read that may change the lives of countless American Indian youth in North Carolina.
Saving for Post-Secondary Education in American Indian Communities is a new report from the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis. Its research is based on a survey conducted in March at the N.C. Indian Unity Conference, which engaged tribal representatives from across our state. The N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs is a partner in the annual gathering.
Perhaps not surprisingly, given the dismal graduation rate for American Indian students in North Carolina, the survey found that a low percentage of tribal families have a college savings plan. And few of those who are saving, or want to, were aware of the College Foundation of North Carolina’s NC 529 Plan, which provides a range of resource for participants.
It also found that American Indians “value education as a top asset in tribal communities,” and families that commit to saving even a modest amount for their child’s education enjoy a significantly higher rate in achieving their goals. Savings plans themselves affect attitudes and expectations for academic success, which in turn typically results in increased earnings potential for the degree-earning student.
The Commission supports students through such established programs as Educational Talent Search, which provides one-on-one educational and career counseling, and the Workforce Development Program, which funds career training that leads to economic self sufficiency.
As part of Gov. Perdue’s Career and College – Ready, Set, Go! initiative, we pledge to do our part to step up outreach and foster increased participation in post-secondary savings. It is vital to the success of our students and our communities – not just to help them achieve today, but also to build on tribal traditions and ensure their success for tomorrow.