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.
84% of American Indian and Alaska Native (ages 25 & up) and 92% of Native Hawaiian adults have a high school diploma or higher education degree which equals 21% of American Indian and Alaska Native and 24% of Native Hawaiian adults have a bachelor's degree (NIEA).
Among Native youth 16- to 24-year-olds, labor force participation is closely tied to their school enrollment, as youth enrolled in school are much less likely to participate in the labor force than youth who are not enrolled. Among both those enrolled and those not enrolled in school, Native youth were less likely to participate in the labor force than were youth overall.
Native Americans have the highest unemployment rates of any racial or ethnic minority group, with an average unemployment rate of 10.5%.
The challenges Native students experience in mainstream higher education include culture shock; social, cultural, and familial isolation; stress surrounding tests and finances; difficulty maintaining their tribal identity, which leads to feelings of isolation and homesickness; and difficulty balancing tribal responsibilities with coursework (Heavy Runner-Rioux et al., 2018; Tachine et al., 2017).
In the fall of 2020, 83% of Native American students attended public colleges but 45% attended public four-year colleges and 38% attended public two-year institutions. 80% of the fall 2020 enrollment at Tribal Colleges and Universities were Native American students. (PNPI)
72% of Native students reported running out of money at least once during a 6-month period. (National College Attainment Network
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
Read More
Grand Teton National Park Foundation receives grant from Native American Jump Start for Tribal Youth Programming in Grant Teton.
Read More
Native American Jump Start Adds New Directors to the Board and Appoints Vice-Chair
Read More