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Native American Scholars Program  
Native American Scholars Program The mission of Newman University includes the development of the intellect and spirit by providing educational experiences for career enhancement with special regard to persons who are disadvantaged.

The Newman Native American Scholars Program (NNASP)

is designed to motivate Native American high school students by using an investigative, hands-on integrated approach to help them graduate from high school. It is hoped that the experience of taking classes on a college campus will allow these students to experience a college environment and would further encourage them to complete high school and consider enrolling in college. In this manner, college becomes a positive and familiar experience, which ultimately becomes a desirable choice.

The program is offered in response to the national concern that the secondary school dropout rate for Native Americans is the highest compared to any other racial or ethnic group. Because they are least likely to either graduate from high school or earn a college degree, dropping out forecloses a lifetime of opportunities and consequently makes it far more likely that their own children may be placedNative American Scholars Program at risk. The NNASP strives to prepare scientifically literate Native American citizens by planting dreams of higher education and ultimately a successful career for its participants.

Objectives

  • To strengthen pre-college science education and address the needs of students during the critical years when concepts and attitudes are developed.
  • To make science a fun and exciting opportunity through an investigative laboratory approach. To increase the understanding of the relevance of science to Native American students and increase their interest and confidence in learning science through student-centered instructions.
  • To help students graduate from high school by fostering independent scholarship, originality and competence in science.
  • To broaden participants’ scientific interests and inform them of the need and opportunities for Native Americans in science and health professions.

Format

Participants selected for the NNASP will receive two hours of college credit upon successful completion of the program. The tuition of $1178 is waived for NNASP participants. Also, each participant will receive a stipend of $100 for the spring semester 2008 and university identification cards, which will enable them to use the Dugan Library and Campus Center, learning/ computer center and to participate in extra-curricular activities on campus at no charge.

The Program

  • Offered spring semester, Jan. 23 - April 30, 2008
  • Class meets 4 - 6 p.m. each Wednesday
  • Inquiry based, interdisciplinary approach to learning
  • Designed to match developmental needs of participants
  • Faculty supervision through one-to-one discussion
  • Occasional guest speakers will discuss career options in science, humanities and health professions
Each participant will:
  • Select a meaningful topic or project from the biological, health or physical sciences
  • Conduct a literature search
  • Set up laboratory/field experiments
  • Collect data, analyze results and draw conclusions
  • Write a paper in scientific format *
* Students are also encouraged to present their papers at the annual meeting of the Kansas Junior Academy of Science.

The program will also attempt to track participants’ continued enrollment in high school, academic progress in science, graduation from high school and acceptance to a university of higher education.

Criteria For Selection

  • A complete Application for Admission.
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
  • A copy of the student’s high school transcript
  • A brief essay explaining career goals and the reason applicant should be considered for the Newman Native American Scholars Program.
  • All application materials must be submitted by Jan. 10, 2008 for guaranteed consideration to Christina Edelman, Teaching Specialist, Native American Education Program, USD 259, 412 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 973-5128.
Applicants selected will be notified prior to Jan. 18, 2008.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Wichita Public Schools.

For More Information

Contact Dr. Surendra Singh, Program Director, or click here (PDF 676 KB) to see the Program's brochure.
Native American Scholars Program