The $50,000 funds on-going recruitment and advising of potential social work students from the Tribes of Northern California. Additionally, the program supports efforts to develop social work intern placements in Tribal agencies and development of culturally relevant training in child welfare.
HSU’s Department of Social Work supports the recruitment, retention and graduation of Native American students. With recent success recruiting Native American staff from tribal organizations as part of the Title IV-E Pathway Program, the department has formed partnerships that prepare it to expand the service area of recruitment and advisement for the AIR program. It builds relationships with the Tribes in the CSU-Chico and CSU-Sacramento service regions, while continuing to develop and support relationships with Tribes in the Humboldt State service region. The Departments of Social Work at Chico State and Sacramento State supported HSU’s application because of its past successful collaborations with regional Tribes.
The AIR program is responsive to needs identified in the HSU region, specifically local access to higher education for Tribal members and Tribal staff. This program will not only support Tribal students in pursuing higher education, but also provide a path for Tribal social services to increase the number of Tribal members professionally prepared with a commitment to their local Tribal community.
“We are honored to be able to continue this work in an increased capacity and look forward to the collaboration that will strengthen current relationships and the new relationships that will be developed,” said Professor Ronnie Swartz, Department of Social Work chair.