FAQs
What is Academic Coaching?
A working partnership between an experienced individual (the coach) and student (the scholar) focusing on developing personal and academic goals while promoting success. Native Forward aims to provide community perspectives and inclusion in the academic coaching process for a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate school.
How will students be matched up with an Academic Coach?
Scholars will be matched with Academic Coaches who align with the Scholar’s graduate or professional degree interests, industry experience, university, and tribal affiliation. Location will also be a matching component when appropriate.
What is the time commitment to participate? How long of a commitment is it?
Academic Coaches and scholars will need to commit to at least one academic year of coaching. Academic coaches and scholars will need to prioritize 30 minutes to one hour every week. Coaches and scholars will use the time to log into the Rising Native Graduates platform, respond to communications, check for program updates or participate in program activities.
Do academic coaches and scholars have to be a member of federally recognized tribe?
Academic coaches and scholars must be a member of a federally or state recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native group or descendant.
Is this a paid position?
No, this is a volunteer position providing an opportunity to give back to other Indigenous students.
Will travel be required?
No, travel will not be required. All activities will be offered virtually or via phone and video calling.
Scholar Questions
What are the benefits of becoming a Rising Native Graduates Scholar?
Opportunity to grow your professional network by giving scholars the opportunity to meet other Native Forward scholars and alumni.
Scholars will have the opportunity to a fee incentive to receive assistance with graduate entrance exams or admissions application fees.
By participating in the program, do I receive funding?
Rising Native Graduates does not include any additional funding. However, being a Rising Native Graduate participant increases the prospect of receiving a Native Forward Scholarship. We encourage all participants to complete the Native Forward Scholarship application process.
Native Forward offers funding opportunities each academic year for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Applications open January 1 and we invite you to visit our website to review the scholarship opportunities.
If you have any questions regarding scholarships, please contact our Scholarship Operations Team at fellowships@NativeForward.org.
How does Native Forward ensure that my Academic Coach offers the support I need?
Rising Native Graduates is focused on the success of scholars and preparation for graduate or professional school. We are committed to connecting scholars with an Academic Coach aligned with their academic and professional goals. Each Academic Coach has been vetted and reviewed to ensure they are prepared to offer advice and guidance to assist on the application process.
Can I apply if I graduated with a bachelor's degree and I am thinking about graduate or professional school?
Yes, undergraduate junior and senior applications will be given priority. Applicants who have graduated will then be considered.
Academic Coach Questions
What are the qualifications to become an Academic Coach?
Academic coaches are experienced in the graduate school application process and can provide guidance on gathering graduate/professional school application materials. Academic Coaches will need to exhibit active listening, provide guidance on goal setting, decision making and provide advice to contribute to the future success of scholars.
Why do Academic Coaches need to complete a background check?
We are committed to keeping Native Forward scholars and alumni safe by ensuring all our participants’ well-being. We require all Academic Coaches to complete a background check. Native Forward covers costs associated with the background checks.
Native Forward offers funding opportunities each academic year for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Applications open January 1 and we invite you to visit our website to review the scholarship opportunities.
If you have any questions regarding scholarships, please contact our Scholarship Operations Team at fellowships@NativeForward.org.
What resources are available to support academic coaches?
We offer a variety of resources to guide and support academic coaching partnerships. Additionally, the staff at Native Forward is available for questions, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration.
Are there partnerships with universities that offer support for the unique needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students?
Yes, Native Forward partners with Tribes, corporations, foundations, government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions to fulfill the needs of students.
Questions?
Contact Native Forward Rising Native Graduates Program at rng@NativeForward.org or call 505-881-4584.
