Congratulations to the Class of 2026 @gonzaga_gsb 🎓
Native Forward CEO @angeliquealbert1 returned to her alma mater to celebrate this year’s graduates and the continued impact of Gonzaga’s MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship program, now marking 25 years of leadership!
A special congratulations to this year’s MBA-AIE cohort, including student speaker and Native Forward alumna @onawaesq (Diné and Mescalero), whose words at commencement reflected the strength, innovation, and vision of Native changemakers.
We’re grateful to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation for its ongoing support of Gonzaga’s MBA-AIE program, which prepares leaders to effectively manage and advance sustainable business on reservations and strengthen economic opportunity across all Tribal communities. Thank you!
#NativeForward #Classof2026 #NativeScholars #NativeEducation #NativeBusiness
Native Forward Scholars Fund is excited to announce the launch of our $100,000 Stand Up for Scholars Matching Gift Challenge! ! Every dollar you give on or before Native Nonprofit Day (May 21) will be matched — doubling your support for Native students pursuing higher education degrees.
MAKE TWICE THE DIFFERENCE TODAY. Give Now: https://bit.ly/4tp7UU9
#StandUpForScholars #NativeNonprofitDay #NativeForward #DoubleYourImpact #InvestInNativeStudents
It’s not too late to join us, Class of 2026! 🎓
Today is the final day to register for Native Forward’s 2026 Virtual Graduation Celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be honored alongside your peers and celebrated by your family, community, and the Native Forward network!
Friday, May 15th, 2026 | 5:00 PM MT | Live on Facebook
Eligible scholars include those graduating in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2025 who have received Native Forward funding at any point. Participants who register may also request Native Forward graduation regalia.
Registration deadline is tonight: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
Register here: https://bit.ly/3OGWnRU
#nativehighereducation #nativescholarships #nativeleadership #graduation #classof2026
Class of 2026, there’s still time to register!
Native Forward invites our graduating Class of 2026 scholars to join us for the 2026 Virtual Graduation Celebration. Together with your family, community, and the Native Forward network, we’ll recognize your hard work, resilience, and achievements.
Friday, May 15th, 2026 | 5:00 PM MT | Live on Facebook
This celebration is open to scholars graduating in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2025 who have received Native Forward funding at any point in their journey. Registered participants can also request Native Forward graduation regalia ✨
Registration deadline: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
We’re excited to celebrate you! RSVP your spot here: https://bit.ly/3OGWnRU
#nativehighereducation #nativescholarships #nativeleadership #graduation #classof2026
Class of 2026, this is your friendly reminder! 🎓
Graduating Native Forward Scholars are invited to register for our 2026 Virtual Graduation Celebration. This special event will honor your achievements, your journey, and all that you’ve accomplished alongside your family, community, Native Forward leadership, partners, alumni, and guest speakers!
Friday, May 15th, 2026 | 5:00 PM MT | Live on Facebook
Eligible participants include scholars graduating in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2025 who have received funding from Native Forward at any point in their academic journey. During registration, scholars may also request Native Forward branded graduation regalia items ✨
Deadline to register: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
Don’t miss your moment to be celebrated, register today! https://bit.ly/3OGWnRU
#nativehighereducation #nativescholarships #nativeleadership #graduation #classof2026
The people behind the work ❤️
This week, Native Forward staff from across the country gathered in Albuquerque for our annual All Staff Week, an opportunity to reconnect and grow together!
Over the past three days, our team participated in training, engaged in meaningful conversations with leadership and our Board members, and strengthened relationships across departments.
From shared meals to team building activities, each moment reinforced the sense of community that drives our mission forward. Behind every initiative there are dedicated individuals committed to making a lasting impact for Native scholars and their communities.
We extend a special thank you to Nicole Johnny for leading our staff training with intention, insight, and care. @kabahnicole your leadership created a space for meaningful learning and reflection that will continue to guide our work!
We are always so grateful for our Native Forward family and for every opportunity to come together in support of one another, our mission, and every one of our scholars!
Class of 2026, come celebrate with us! 🎓
Graduating Native Forward Scholars are invited to register for our 2026 Virtual Graduation Celebration. This event will honor your achievements, your journey, and everything you’ve accomplished alongside your family, community members, Native Forward leadership, partners, alumni, and guest speakers 🎉
🗓️ Friday, May 15th 2026 | 5:00 PM MT | Live on Facebook
Eligible participants include scholars graduating in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2025 who have received funding from Native Forward at any point in their academic journey. During registration, scholars may also request Native Forward branded graduation regalia items.
Deadline to register: Sunday, May 3rd 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
Join us in celebrating this meaningful milestone! Register here: https://bit.ly/3OGWnRU
Congratulations to our March Graduate Student of the Month, Amber Reed! 👏
A citizen of the Navajo Nation from Layton, Utah, Amber Reed is pursuing her Master of Arts in Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences at Utah State University, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.
Amber is a dedicated leader and advocate for Native students, having served in multiple roles within the Native American Student Council, including Secretary, Vice President, and President. She also co-organized the Weaving Our Stories Conference, helping bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members in support of Native education and leadership.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to building community and creating space for Native voices in higher education.
As Amber shares, “Being a Native Forward Scholar means I am resilient, deserving of a good education, and part of a community that supports and uplifts one another.”
Read more about Amber’s academic journey and accomplishments here: https://bit.ly/41eTg6B
#NativeForward #ScholarOfTheMonth #NativeScholars #HigherEducation
Meet Tashina Buckles, our March Undergraduate Student of the Month! ✨
A citizen of the Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation from Wolf Point, Montana, Tashina Buckles is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K–8 at Montana State University Northern, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition.
Tashina’s journey is rooted in her commitment to education, community, and uplifting Native youth. She has been recognized as a Fort Peck Community College Student Success Story and featured in The College Tour and BOOM Magazine for her inspiring academic path and perseverance.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom through consistent academic excellence and a deep belief in the power of education to create change in her community. As Tashina shares, “For me, being a Native Forward Scholar is about more than just financial support—it’s about being part of a community that understands and supports my goals.”
Read more about Tashina’s academic journey and accomplishments here: https://bit.ly/4cqWZ7j
#NativeForward #ScholarOfTheMonth #NativeScholars #HigherEducation
Celebrating our February Graduate Student of the Month, Trevor Long! 👏
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation from Pryor, Oklahoma, Trevor is pursuing his Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Oklahoma Tulsa, School of Community Medicine, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA.
Trevor’s journey is grounded in service and community care. As he shares, “Being a Native Forward Scholar means belonging to a community that believes education is a responsibility to our people.”
He has dedicated 1,050+ volunteer hours across food security, youth mentorship, disability support, and civic engagement, including leadership roles such as Outreach Chair for the Student Executive Council and Junior City Council Member in Pryor.
His commitment to service continues to guide his path toward primary care and emergency medicine in communities facing barriers to care.
Read more about Trevor’s academic journey and accomplishments here! https://bit.ly/4twrazI
#NativeForward #ScholarOfTheMonth #NativeScholars #HigherEducation
Meet Tasheena Egan, our February Undergraduate Student of the Month! 👏
A member of the Navajo Nation from Fort Defiance, Arizona, Tasheena is pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno as a first-generation college student.
Her journey is grounded in service, advocacy, and community care. As she shares, “Being a Native Forward Scholar is both an honor and a responsibility… it represents visibility, belonging, and the continuation of our ancestors’ resilience.”
Tasheena has built a strong record of leadership and service, including her work as a Student Ambassador for the American Indian College Fund, youth basketball coach, and advocate for Tribal education protections. She is also completing her social work practicum supporting patient care and community health services.
Balancing academics, work, motherhood, and service, she continues to uplift Native youth and families through education and mentorship. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Tasheena!
Read more about Tasheena’s academic journey here! bit.ly/4tA6OFV
#NativeForward #ScholarOfTheMonth #NativeScholars #HigherEducation
In March, Native Forward in partnership with @westernwashingtonuniversity brought together an unprecedented network of Tribal education leaders, academic institutions, scholarship programs, and Native serving professionals from across the Pacific Northwest!
“This convening reflects Native Forward’s proven model for advancing Native student success—where relationships deepen, practices improve, visibility increases, and communities align around a shared mission.”
Read the full article here! bit.ly/3PSfzMW
#NativeForward #NativeHigherEducation #TribalLeadership
