Post Secondary Pathways – Expanding the Circle: Indigenous Student Access and Persistence in Higher Education

Indigenous students are a demographic group that have consistently been underrepresented at institutions of higher education (IHE) in the United States, despite tremendous growth in enrollment in recent years. This is due in part to the distinct barriers and aspects of identity that indigenous students hold compared to other groups. This session will focus on the various factors that affect indigenous students access and persistence at IHEs. Each of the resource experts has some background with working with this population and their work examines what supports indigenous students need to be successful in these environments. As stakeholders, policymakers, and IHE leaders consider the role indigenous students play in attainment goals and workforce development, it is critical to understand the history, policy landscape, and innovative practices behind supporting these students.