The deepening ED pathways through knowledge exchange project builds on our two current new beginnings grants to deepen tribal student success by strengthening pathways to natural resource,…

The deepening ED pathways through knowledge exchange project builds on our two current new beginnings grants to deepen tribal student success by strengthening pathways to natural resource, agriculture, and stem careers. With direction from leaders of the twelve tribal nations in wisconsin, tribal education and natural resource staff, students, and education partners, we will provide holistic approaches to support pre-college and college tribal students that foster the flourishing of their personal and community identity as part of their unique educational pathways. Based on needs and priorities identified in our ongoing nbts projects, we will focus on creating experiential learning opportunities involving inter-institutional field courses, community-based research, internships, and mentoring through building knowledge exchanges among tribal students. Key partners are LAC courte oreilles ojibwe college, college of menominee nation, university of wisconsin-madison, and HO-chunk nation. This project responds to tribally-identified educational and career goals by articulating and implementing educational pathways that engage cultural identity, increase representation of native people in stem, and foster creative and innovative solutions to land use and sustainability. The primary objectives of the project are:create experiential learning opportunities involving community-based research, internships, and mentoring.build capacity for careers through cultural connections and knowledge exchanges among pre-college and college tribal students. These objectives are designed to foster native leadership, amplify native voices, and increase student retention, graduation, and career preparation. Project deliverables will extend beyond the life of this project, leading to long-lasting institutional change including permanently offered undergraduate courses, pre-college programming, and original curriculum.