Native Journey to Academic Success (NJAcS) Program

NAU’s College of Health and Human Services is committed to Native American academic success

NJAcS is committed to promoting academic success and retention of Native American students in health professions, as well as increasing enrollment of Native Americans into health.  If you are a prospective or enrolled Native American student in the College of Health & Human Services at NAU, you are encouraged to contact and meet your CHHS faculty for one-on-one mentoring and advising needs.  You may be eligible for various resources for academic support and tutoring, emergency food and gas vouchers; and encouraged to participate in program activities.

History of the program

The NJAcS program is supported by a grant from the John and Sophie Ottens Foundation. The Ottens Foundation has supported the health and well-being of Native Americans, including educational programs and initiatives for Native American students, for the past eighteen years.

Program goals

• Attract Native American students to CHHS health professions programs by encouraging Native American alumni and current students to visit middle and high schools.
• Retain Native American students enrolled in CHHS programs by creating an environment that supports the cultural, social, and academic needs of Native American students.
• Provide cultural awareness training for NAU faculty, staff, and students.

What we offer

Academic support

• faculty mentoring
• peer tutoring
• study group

Cultural activities

• Welcome Back Gathering and Cultural Blessing
• elder storytelling
• cultural presentations

Recruitment

• Dream Catcher middle school mentoring
• Dream Catcher middle school career shadowing

Subsistence vouchers

Contact information

Athletic Training

Glenn.Edgerton@nau.edu
928-523-6837

Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech Science Technology

Kristan.Culbertson@nau.edu
928-523-8619

Davis.Henderson@nau.edu
928-523-7495

Dental Hygiene

Tracye.Moore@nau.edu
928-523-6038

Health Sciences

Sara.Shuman@nau.edu
928-523-8262

Nursing

Adrien.Gupton@nau.edu
928-523-7019

Regina.Eddie@nau.edu
928-523-5437

Physical Therapy

Andrea.Lerner@nau.edu
928-523-7441

Physician Assistant Studies

paprog@nau.edu
602-827-2450