Kicking Off College Nights for Native Students

This winter, Being a Good Relative launched a series of College Nights to support Native American high school students within Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) in navigating the path to higher education. These in-person events provide students and families with essential information on applying to college, accessing financial resources, and preparing for the transition to college.

The series is facilitated by Dinée Dorame, a former Yale admissions officer and graduate of APS, who brings a decade of expertise in college access and Native student advocacy. The first College Night provided a general overview of the college application process, covering topics such as understanding application platforms, college fly-in programs, and identifying schools that align with students’ academic and cultural needs. These sessions are designed to give students a starting point in identifying colleges that offer strong Native student programs and community support—key factors that can significantly impact their college experience and long-term success. The second College Night introduced students to College Horizons, a national college-access program that supports Native students in the college application process. With over 65 attendees, this session helped connect students to summer opportunities they may not have otherwise been aware of. 

The College Nights series is a collaborative effort between One Generation Fund and Albuquerque Public Schools, as part of the Being a Good Relative Initiative. By working together, the initiative aims to ensure Native students have the resources and support they need to navigate the college admissions process with confidence. These events have also highlighted key APS college and career resources, so that students and families can take full advantage of the support available to them.

Stay tuned for more updates on the impact of these events and upcoming opportunities for Native students and families.