American Indian Education Program

{Students learn tribal dances and create some of the regalia worn at Native American gatherings}

Our students soar, with the help of their schools, families and community.

That is the case with Soaring Eagles, our popular Native American student dance troupe that combines performance with cultural education. Here, students get a chance to learn, to educate, and to shine.

It's just one of the successful experiences offered in our American Indian Education Program.

Program History: For four decades, we have been addressing the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native students, currently a population of 425-plus students from more than 20 tribes. Ours is one of the only academic programs in the nation devoted to urban American Indians.

Who do we serve? We support students of Native heritage from pre-kindergarten through high school, and reach out to families and the community to strengthen the educational proficiency of each child. Our programs get such support that on regular Powwow Workshop potluck nights, people come from all over the county to be part of it. Everyone is welcome. And like all our programs, it is absolutely free.

What academic services are offered? Our program supplements the district's multicultural school curriculum with enrichment programs geared toward native students, including tutoring, after-school programs, dropout prevention counseling, parent-teacher consultations and monitoring of student grades and attendance.

How are students supported scholastically? We provide counseling, mentoring activities, cultural resource information, college scholarship application assistance, visits to college campuses, special events and parenting workshops, among many other programs.

What cultural enrichment is offered? Activities promote understanding and respect for our students' ancient heritages. They study history, traditions and cultural and artistic heritages. They get field trips, self-esteem building, and cultural instruction and activities such as dance, music and native language instruction. All programs help them keep their eye on the prize -- academic success.

Who provides oversight? Our district's commitment to the success of all students is more than a century old. With that goal in mind, we've built and run this program devoted to students with native heritage since 1972. Oversight comes through the Indian Education Program Parent Advisory Committee, comprised of American Indian and Alaskan Native parents, teachers and students.

Who can use these programs? Eligibility is open to district students enrolled in the American Indian Education Program who have submitted a Title VII Student Eligibility Certification.

Contact:

{Ballard logo} Vickie Gambala, Director, (858) 496-4051, vgambala@sandi.net
American Indian Education Program: Spanish
American Indian and Alaskan Native Data (U.S. Census Bureau)

Community Collaborations:

AIR Tutorial Program
San Diego American Indian Health Center
Indian Human Resource Center
Southern California American Indian Resource Center
Tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families(TANF), Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association