COLLEGE IN MINNESOTA IS MORE AFFORDABLE NOW THAN EVER BEFORE

By Maajiitaaziibiikwe, Mary Sam

For Native students attending college in Minnesota, there are more scholarships available than any time in history. Making the decision to attend a college or university is a big decision and requires planning, time, and attention. For some, completing all the steps to begin college comes easily; for others it can create fear, anxiety and self-doubt. Preparing for college involves a lot of paperwork. For many of us, we didn’t have people in our lives that could show us or walk us through those first steps embarking on a new path in education. The MLB Scholarship Program is ready to provide the support and direction to help you along the way. Meeting with your college Advisor and Financial Aid staff early ensures success. Getting started early and being prepared will help you be a successful college student.

In addition to Band Scholarships, many Native students wanting to attend a Minnesota college or university will have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Minnesota American Indian Scholars Program and the North Star Promise Scholarship funding. Native students living off reservation and attending a technical program may also qualify for funding through the Minneapolis American Indian Center Workforce Program.

FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A COLLEGE STUDENT:

1. Find a school and create a plan with an end result (a degree or diploma) in mind. The college or university must be accredited.

2. Apply early to the school and get accepted, sending your acceptance letter to MLB Scholarship and Career Counselor Michele Berger at 320-532-4775, Kylee Sawyer at 320-532-7831 or email MLB.Scholarships@millelacsband.com. The Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Program offers financial support to Band members and 1st line descendants who will be full-time students (12 credits), but can also offer funding to assist part-time students.

3. Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) early! This will require that you have completed your IRS taxes, as they need documentation of earned income. If you are unable to complete a FAFSA due to a “financial hold,” talk with Michele to explore options. Work with your college to work out a payment plan, discuss loan forgiveness, or explore the option of a settlement.

4. Explore additional college scholarships. Meet with the Financial Aid Office to apply for scholarships you are eligible for.

5. Meet with a college Advisor to explore degree options and courses, and then get registered for your classes. Lean on them and ask lots of questions. It really is okay to not know and to ask. College is about learning to ask for help, taking risks, and being challenged.

6. If you are moving into student housing, apply early!

7. Purchase your books and any course supplies so you are prepared on day one of class.

8. Attend any New Student Orientation sessions. Be informed, be prepared!

9. Tour the campus, know where to park, find your classrooms.

ACCESS COLLEGE RESOURCES:

• Connect with your college advisor early and often! Know class “drop and add” deadlines.

• Meet with financial aid staff early; there are many scholarships and on campus work study jobs.

• Register for the right classes. Find success early. Take a class or two that will help you build confidence in your first semester of college. Take Ojibwe or cultural classes to meet other students and feel a sense of belonging.

• Build relationships: connect with a diversity center, Native Resource Center, or Native staff. Find a mentor.

• Meta 5 Family Resiliency Programs: for individuals starting over in life, whether that be from incarceration, treatment, divorce, separation, loss of a job or a death of a partner/spouse.

• TRIO Programs: for students who are either 1st generation, students with a disability, or a student of color.

• Accessibility Services: if you are a student with a diagnosed disability, which includes mental health diagnosis, you are likely able to receive accommodations.

• Adult Basic Education services can provide additional supports and tools.

• Sober support, recovery supports, mental health supports (telepsychiatry, health centers on campus).

• LGBTQ supports and allies on campus.

• Utilize tutors, writing tutors, alumni, peer to peer supports.

• Self-advocacy

• Surround yourself with others who want to set and reach their goals.

• Get to know your faculty and Dean of Students.

• Know how to read your class syllabus and what the expectations are for completing the class.

• Check your email every day. Go to class every day!

• Communicate clearly and respectfully, even when frustrated, and document any concerns.

• Come to class on time, be prepared, be engaged, and use your voice — verbally or in writing.

• Put your phone down, don’t let yourself be distracted.

• Write down the questions you want to ask your instructor; ask their advice on how you can be more successful in their class and go to the instructor’s office during their office hours.

• Practice positivity and gratitude for the opportunity in front of you. Know you are strong and capable.

• Be bold and be brave. Become a campus leader. Keep your eye on your goal!

KEEP IN MIND:

• Our traditional knowledge and teachings can serve as our foundation in all that we do.

• We all carry with us the strength and resiliency of our ancestors.

• College is an opportunity to “start over.”

• Letting your brilliance shine is okay! We believe in you!

• Self-care as a college student

• It’s ok to “not know.” For most of us, navigating college resources is a new experience. It is important to get the answers, which is up to us.

• Set a goal and career plan. Be easy on yourself as this may change as you explore the new opportunities in front of you.

• Rest, walk, eat healthy, and drink lots of water.

• If you are living on campus, visit family as able, via Facetime if possible. Can your family send you a care package with some traditional foods or other items?

• Attend college cultural activities, ceremonies.

• Embrace your identity. Incorporate your perspectives into your class assignments.

• Participate in a student club, activities like yoga, mental health events, and sports.

• During mid-terms and finals, practice all of the above and remember to breathe; talk to others and reach out.

• Practice time management, find a study space that works for you.

Check with the Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Program to find resources for scholarships. Forms may be downloaded at: https://millelacsband.com/government/resources1/scholarship or scroll down to ELECTRONIC FORMS and complete the digital Scholarship Application. If you have any questions, please email MLB.Scholarships@millelacsband.com.

Remember: the work we put in now will impact the next generation