UW News

July 19, 2007

Native American students gather at UW to learn about graduate opportunities

The Fourth Annual Graduate Horizons Program met at the UW Friday through Tuesday, providing information and advice to Native American college students visiting from across the country, here because of their interest in pursuing graduate work.

The numbers, provided by the UW Graduate School, which hosted the four-day “crash-course,” help tell the story. About 70 Native American undergraduates attended, representing 53 different tribes in 23 different states. The students met at several locations throughout campus for sessions on selecting graduate programs, funding education, writing personal statements, preparing for admissions tests and more.

Thirteen UW programs were represented by faculty and staff during the event, and about 30 universities nationwide sent representatives to meet and talk with the students. Of the students, at least 36 are first-generation college students.

Of the intensive session, Suzanne Ortega, UW vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, said, “This event exemplifies the Graduate School’s commitment to expanding educational access to graduate programs wherever they may be. We’re especially pleased to welcome representatives of so many tribes and states.”

This fourth annual meeting of Graduate Horizons was the first one on the west coast. For more information on the program, or on College Horizons, which offers workshops and information for pre-college Native American students, visit online at http://www.collegehorizons.org/.