Doug Yellow Boy is a sophomore at Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. He spends five hours a day studying and recently changed his education major to follow his passion for computers. Doug says, “I consider myself a disciplined student. I do not like to procrastinate on my work, and I like the feeling of being ahead on my academics.” After college, Doug plans to provide IT services on the reservation and be a good role model for the youth. He tells other students to apply for scholarships and “Don’t give up!” 

Education is fundamental for quality life. Yet only 16% of Native Americans have a bachelor’s degree. A program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), the American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF) helps address unequal opportunities facing students on the reservations that we serve.  

College student Doug attended Todd County High School in Mission, South Dakota on the Rosebud Reservation. Involved in basketball and track, his love for being active grew into dreams of being a physical education teacher. An AIEF scholarship allowed him to attend Sinte Gleska University in his hometown for the 2020-2021 school year. Although freshman year was the toughest, Doug completed it with a 3.75 GPA and was selected again for an AIEF scholarship for 2021-2022.  

So far, Doug’s secondary education has been virtual, mostly due to the pandemic. He described learning as, “Just myself, a computer, my books and my bedroom for a classroom.” In a way though, this has been good, as it allowed him to look out for his younger sister Brianna, who also has virtual classes. Doug helps her with homework when he can and shared, “Both my parents sit with my sister and help her with her schoolwork, sometimes until 10:30 at night due to them having to work.” 

Doug spends five hours a day studying, but he has found a new passion – computers. This year as a sophomore, he is now majoring in information technology and could not be more excited. He told us, “I consider myself a disciplined student. I do not like to procrastinate on my work, and I like the feeling of being ahead on my academics.” 

After college, Doug plans to provide IT services on the Rosebud Reservation and be a good role model for youth, encouraging them to keep moving forward in life and with their education. He asserted, “Nothing in this world can stop you but you.” 

Before COVID-19 hit the reservation, Doug was an active community volunteer, helping the college with Giving Tuesday events and supporting the Feast of Nations, a communal Thanksgiving meal. He looks forward to serving his community again once his Tribe lifts restrictions. 

With support from AIEF donors like you, Doug has learned to follow his passion. He tells other students to speak with their peers and financial advisors to apply for scholarships. “Don’t give up!” 

PWNA and AIEF put education centerstage so that Native students have a chance to thrive and leave poverty behind. You can make this dream a reality by donating to AIEF today.