According to Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) President and CEO Joshua Arce,
“Most people living in our community and our country know little about the challenges facing Native Americans every day. This is especially true for Native students who face unique barriers to education both before and during college. While Native students dream of going to college like many of their peers, only 16% hold a degree compared to 40% of white people.
“Unfortunately, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. When they finally get to college, about 20% of Native students experience food insecurity, and 16% experience homelessness. Many are expected to contribute to family bills, and 35% work at least 20 hours per week in between classes and studies.
“Native Americans are one of the most marginalized groups in our community. In fact, many Native students don’t even consider college as an option due to the cost. In this great state and country, a financial burden – that is not their fault, but exists due to systemic failures and broken treaty promises – should not be the barrier that stands between our Native American youth and their self-reliance. Yet less than 1% of all charitable giving in the U.S. supports Native causes. That’s why we view higher education as non-negotiable – but it can only be achieved through racial and social equity.
“Despite these challenges, Native students are resilient and motivated to graduate college and return home to help their tribes or become professionals in their communities. The students PWNA selects for funding have demonstrated an ability to overcome obstacles and 90-95% of them complete year over year. We want to give every one of these students a chance, but we need your help supporting students in North Texas.
“Even a degree from a two-year college can boost income by $10,000 a year over a high school graduate, and a degree from a four-year university can boost income by $1 million throughout a lifetime. PWNA is serious about opening the door wider so that Native youth can enjoy the same advantages of college as other races. Through our education services, PWNA increases access and retention so that more Native students have the resources and encouragement needed to learn and succeed.
“However, for every scholarship we award, six more Native students are waiting for funding and a chance for a brighter future. Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day is the perfect opportunity to give them their chance. You can also raise your voice and use #PWNA4NorthTX to help others become #NativeAware™.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Partnership With Native Americans
In 14 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $503 million into the North Texas community. In 2022, more than $62.6 million was raised through 94,385 donors benefiting over 3,210 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 21, support Partnership With Native Americans by clicking here and spreading the word. #NTXGivingDay2023