Tech News Summary:
- SLCC is launching a new scholarship program that will cover tuition for members of Utah’s federally recognized tribes, aiming to remove barriers and provide more opportunities for Native American students.
- The program is inclusive and flexible, not requiring participating students to be degree-seeking or take a minimum number of credit hours, and it covers tuition costs for up to 18 credit hours to accommodate working adults and part-time students.
- To qualify for the scholarship, Native American students must provide proof of tribal enrollment from any of the 574 federally recognized tribes, and SLCC is committed to increasing access to education and empowering sovereign rights for Native American students.
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to waive tuition for Native American students, in an effort to break down barriers in education and increase access to higher learning for Indigenous communities.
The initiative, which is set to begin in the fall semester of 2022, will waive all tuition and fees for enrolled Native American students at SLCC. This move comes as part of the college’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for education and addressing the historical disparities in access to higher education for Native American communities.
SLCC President, Deneece G. Huftalin, stated, “We recognize the importance of supporting and empowering Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education. By waiving tuition for Native American students, we are working to address the systemic barriers that have long hindered access to education for Indigenous communities.”
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm and support from Native American leaders and advocates, who have long called for greater access to education and resources for Indigenous students. This move by SLCC is seen as a significant step in the right direction towards creating more equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for Native American communities.
In addition to waiving tuition, SLCC is also committed to providing culturally relevant resources and support services for Native American students, including mentorship, academic advising, and access to Indigenous-led programs and organizations.
The decision to waive tuition for Native American students comes at a time when many colleges and universities are striving to address issues of diversity and inclusion within their institutions. SLCC’s initiative is seen as a bold and proactive approach to breaking down barriers and promoting greater access to higher education for historically marginalized communities.
As the first college in Utah to implement such a policy, SLCC hopes that its groundbreaking initiative will inspire other institutions to take similar steps in support of Native American students and communities. This move is a clear demonstration of SLCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.