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American Indian Summer Institute

Preparing the Native American/Alaska Native Youth for the Higher Educational System

José Alfredo Mejía & Cody Mitchell

In California, the Native American/Alaska Native first-generation students have one of the lowest percentages of both high school graduation and A-G subject completion. The lack of prior knowledge prevents many Native American students from meeting their Admission’s eligibility index, applying to colleges and or receiving admittance letters from four-year institutions.

For the last 23 years, the California State University Sacramento, the University of California Davis and the Los Rios Community College have collaborated to coordinate the annual American Indian Summer Institute (AISI). AISI is a program for current tenth and eleventh grade Native American High School students. The goal of the program is to prepare and expose students to learn about the three higher educational systems, tour the campuses and learn the Admissions requirements. Students have an opportunity to experience college life and build connections with other native youth and faculty during the program.

For more information visit the Esak'timá Center Resources page.

2025 Photo Album