Transforming the Educational Experience of Young Men of Color

groups, we have the highest rate of alcoholism. We have the highest suicide rate.
We have the highest dropout rate. We still have the lowest graduation rates and
the lowest test scores. I always go back to the issue of cultural and generational
grief of our people. The compound losses in history — the loss of language, the
loss of traditions, lifestyles, religions, self-worth and family — contribute to the
negative coping skills. These losses affect students’ self-esteem and identity.
CB: Could you share some examples of how you have helped some of your minority
male students go on to college or some type of postsecondary training program
LT: I always make sure that students are introduced to academic advisers at a
postsecondary level. I try to help make these connections while they’re still in
high school. I will take a student out to the local community college and introduce
him to all the folks who are on staff working with minority students. Particularly
I identify teachers in the building with a better understanding OF
American Indian students, and I place my students with teachers WHO
I feel would best serve them and help them achieve.
with American Indian students, I facilitate activities so the student has made
connections prior to graduating from high school. Therefore, [students have] a
safety net for when they enter their college program.
We also have someone at the school to help students with FAFSA forms. I will
help them fill out college applications and applications for scholarships. I make
sure that if there is a scholarship I know about, it gets into my students’ hands.
Some of our students have come from multiple schools, so the credit issue
becomes a problem with graduation. We help track their graduation requirements
and get them into outside programs to help earn the credit needed for graduation.
CB: If you were asked to develop the educational setting where American Indian
males were intentionally focused on success, what would it look like
LT: I would like to be able to follow a student through a system that ties to their
culture and provide mentorship not only for academic success but [also] a program
that taps into the resources that are needed for an American Indian family and
their background. Having a whole system that supports students’ social structure
and generational grief will help the students achieve their pathway so that they
can, as we say in my tribe, “walk in beauty,” to be able to keep that balance of
their worlds and be bicultural. n
Partnering with community organizations such as the ones listed here can help your
students maintain and take pride in their identity, an integral aspect of supporting young
American Indian men:
American Indian College Fund www.collegefund.org
The American Indian College Fund provides Native students with scholarships and also
financially supports the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
Running Strong for American Indian Youth www.indianyouth.org
Running Strong helps build the capacity of communities, grassroots Indian organizations,
families, youth and individuals to leverage their strengths and solve problems.
Transforming the Educational Experience of Young Men of Color: Increase Partnerships | 17