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Overview
The American Indian Education Program was created in 1972 after the Indian Education Act was passed by Congress. The program addresses the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native students, including preschool children. It also assists eligible students to achieve at the same challenging state performance standards expected of all students in grades pre-K through 12. The program is guided by the Indian Education Program Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), comprised of:
- American Indian and Alaskan Native parents or guardians.
- District secondary school students.
- District teachers.
Services
Academic Services
The American Indian Education Program grant supplements the regular school program by helping Indian students sharpen their academic skills, assisting students in becoming proficient in the core content areas, and providing students an opportunity to participate in enrichment programs that otherwise would be unavailable.
Academic Activities
Academic assistance, tutoring, after school programs, dropout prevention, parent/teacher consultations, monitoring of student grades and attendance, a library for checking out books and materials for students and parents.
Cultural Enrichment
In addition to supporting academics, the Indian Education Program provides opportunities to participate in classes and other planned activities that promote understanding and respect for their heritage. These activities encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay in school, and prepare for a successful future.
Cultural Enrichment Activities
Students are provided opportunities to join groups which study Indian history, cultural identity, traditions, heritage, and arts and crafts. Activities may include field trips, self-awareness and self-esteem building activities, cultural lessons and activities such as dance and drum, and language instruction.
Other services of the American Indian Education Program include:
- One-on-one counseling
- Advocacy for students and parents
- Mentoring activities
- Cultural resource information
- Classroom presentations
- College scholarship application assistance
- Visits to college campuses
- Special events and field trips
- Newsletters
- Parenting wellness activities and parenting workshops
- Support groups and shared learning activities
Eligibility
Each child enrolled in the American Indian Education Program in the San Diego Unified School District is required to complete and submit a Title VII Student Eligibility Certification
. This form will be maintained at the Indian Education Office. Information on the certification form will not be released without written approval from the parent or guardian.Eligible students include Native Americans who are:
- A member of an Indian tribe or band, (including those Indian tribes or bands terminated since 1940 and those recognized by the State in which the tribe or band resides).
- Descended in the first or second degree (parent or grandparent as described).
- Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian, Eskimo or Aleut or any other Alaskan Native.
- A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect in October 19, 1994.
Related Resources
| Indian Education Program Fact Sheet: English | Spanish |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) Data and Links Source: U.S. Census Bureau Includes demographic profiles, employment, income, age distribution and more. |
Contact Information
Indian Education Office
Revere Center
6735 Gifford Way
San Diego, CA 92111
Vickie Gambala
Indian Education Community Liaison*
Parent, Community and Student Engagement Department
vgambala@sandi.net
(858) 627-7362
* Position funded by a federal grant.
