Syracuse Sun

An anonymous benefactor has donated $150,000 to the Syracuse University School of Education to provide scholarships for Native American students preparing to become inclusive education teachers. The School of Education Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund will offer scholarships to at least seven undergraduate students in its first cohort, set to matriculate by the 2026-27 academic year.

The scholarship will cover up to 30% of an individual student’s tuition. Additionally, part of the fund will support special programming and academic opportunities for Native American teacher preparation students, such as undergraduate research, conference attendance, or study-away opportunities within the U.S.

“There is a critical need for Indigenous teachers in schools serving predominantly Indigenous communities, especially for those trained in inclusive education at the elementary level,” says Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy, assistant director of Partnership Programs and Indigenous Recruitment. “Due to the lack of consistency and persistence in current teacher preparation programs, Indigenous students are left without adequate supports so vital to their educational journey.”

Bluewolf-Kennedy emphasized that young Indigenous students seeing themselves represented in their teachers—knowing they understand their cultures, histories, and ways of life—is crucial for academic success.

“This financial aid will fill this gap in Indigenous education and create future leaders to strengthen communities,” Bluewolf-Kennedy adds. “Beyond impacting individual student-teachers, there will be a ripple effect impacting their home communities and Nations. The possibilities this gift opens for Indigenous teachers is very powerful.”

The scholarships are reserved for qualified first-year and transfer students enrolled in any Native American nation in the U.S. and Canada, with a preference for students from the Haudenosaunee nations. Students eligible for the Haudenosaunee Honor Scholarship and Indigenous Pathways Grant programs may apply.

Thanks to its new streamlined undergraduate teacher preparation curriculum, Indigenous students have two inclusive education options when applying to the School of Education. The first option is the Inclusive Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program leading to New York State certification in General Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and Students With Disabilities (all grades). The second option is Inclusive Adolescent Education leading to NYS certification in Students With Disabilities (all grades) and a chosen content area (English, mathematics, science or social studies).

“Thanks to our donor’s generosity, the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund is being created at an exciting time for the School of Education,” says Dean Kelly Chandler-Olcott. “Our newly designed undergraduate curriculum has the opportunity to provide unique opportunities for Indigenous students such as the minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. Plus, Syracuse University’s Academic Strategic Plan's emphasis on experiential learning and study away creates new space to explore partnerships with tribal colleges and universities.”

At Syracuse University, Indigenous student teachers will find a welcoming campus community with rich academic programs supported by faculty, staff, and alumni dedicated to helping Native American students succeed. Opportunities open to all Indigenous students include the Native Student Program supporting transitions into college life; Indigenous Students at Syracuse—a student-run organization; and the Indigenous Living Learning Community.

For more information about the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund or other Native student supports contact Bluewolf-Kennedy at tbluewol@syr.edu. For details on teacher preparation programs contact Heather Macknik at hmmackni@syr.edu or 315-443-4269.