What brings you to NAJS?
Whether you are a donor, partner, student or perspective employee, Native American Jump Start is here to help you on your journey with NAJS.
I want to donate!
Through the support and generosity of our passionate donors, we are able to provide tangible support to Native students and young professionals.
I need funding!
Are you a student pursuing educational opportunities? Are you a prospective employee with a job lined up?
I want to partner!
NAJS is proud to partner with a variety of organizations to support the Native community through employment and educational opportunities. See how we can work together to help make a difference.
36% of Native students attending a 4-year college completed their academic degree within 6-years compared with 60% of all other students.
72% of Native students reported running out of money at least once during a 6-month period.
65% of Native college students come from homes with a household income of less than $35,000 annually
60% of Native college students are expected to contribute towards paying family bills and were not able to save money prior to enrolling in college
30% of Native students found Freshman year most difficult to find funding.
Ancillary expenses associated with barriers to their education while attending college were cited as; Health Care, Transportation - car/maintenance/parking, Technology (laptop and wifi) college fees, food, housing, books.
Words from our NAJS Community
“I had the opportunity to receive grant assistance for an internship in 2019. The care they show for interns goes beyond financial support. They value finding success for Indigenous young people and giving them the voice to uplift others. In 2024, I again received funding to support a film project that I directed telling the story of Indigenous peoples of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.”
Jared W
Indigenous Communities Project Manager
Film Maker
“Native American Jump Start is a nonprofit that believes in its recipients. As an alumni, I can speak to internship opportunities that have given me the tools to feel confident in the working world as a young adult, specifically in Indian Country serving our communities.”
Jacquelyn C.
NAJS Alum
“The Native American Jump Start Grant has been an invaluable catalyst in my academic and professional journey, empowering me to navigate challenges and unlock opportunities for growth. This transformative support has facilitated my participation in programs like the Native American Research Internship, Four Directions Summer Research program, and Native American Community Health Internship.”
Gianni H.
NAJS Alum
“With the Support from NAJS, I was able to participate in an internship with the Peabody Essex Museum. That opportunity provided me with the experience needed for my current role as Curator of Collections at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Thank You NAJS – “
Jordan Dresser
Museum Professional/Film Maker/Journalist
NAJS Distinguished Alum
“Our partnership with NAJS has been instrumental in providing the young people from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and develop work skills through employment in the hospitality industry on the New Hampshire coast. This experience has made a real difference for young Lakota people.”
Jeri Baker
Director, One Spirit Lakota
“NAJS has provided support through my entire educational journey. From earning my undergrad degree to my Masters of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management at John Hopkins University. Without their support, I would not be where I am today – Thank you Native American Jump Start!”
Hunter Old Elk
Assistant Curator at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
NAJS Vice Chair of the Board
Native American Jump Start Elects New Board Chair and Adds Chief Advancement Officer Role
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Grand Teton National Park Foundation receives grant from Native American Jump Start for Tribal Youth Programming in Grant Teton.
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Native American Jump Start Adds New Directors to the Board and Appoints Vice-Chair
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