Ava Burnell, center, founded the USC Native American Student Union before graduating in 2017. Here, she attends the sixth annual College Exploration Day. (Photo/Natasha Brennan)
Making college a tradition for Native American students
At USC’s first ITEC College Exploration Day, Native American students and their families were introduced to a bevy of higher education opportunities.
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USC’s Native American Student Union hosted a landmark gathering on Saturday. With 1,200 attendees, it was by far the biggest College Exploration Day for Native American elementary, middle, high school, transfer and returning adult students. Now in its sixth year, the event increases awareness of opportunities in higher education.
“I think it would be amazing to see more Native American students in college,” said Native American Student Union President Maracea Chase. Chase, a cinematic arts major who took part in a college roundtable, said an increase in Native American college participation will help communities like her own in New Mexico.
“We need better health care, educators,” she said. “Here at USC, we embrace our culture while sharing it with others.”
This was the first time USC has hosted the event, which brought together members of 30 tribal nations and students from more than 20 colleges and universities.
