“I never dreamed that I would be graduating from college,” shared Oliver of the Gros Ventre Tribe. Oliver was a recipient of a 2023-2024 scholarship from the American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA).

Only 16% of Native Americans hold a bachelor’s degree. Thanks to the support of generous AIEF donors, Oliver graduated cum laude from the University of Providence in Montana in the spring of 2024. He takes with him a bachelor’s in forensic psychology, a minor in criminal justice, and awards through the school’s honors program and Dean’s List, including Outstanding Achievement by a Student.

As Oliver told us, “It was not an easy road.” Oliver was homeless when he moved to Great Falls, Montana, and had few resources. He explained, “Financial issues created barriers pertinent to transportation, childcare, and utilities. The AIEF scholarship helped alleviate stress by supplying me with finances to pay my bills during a challenging time. It helped me maintain peace of mind through my final academic year. It kept the lights on, gas in the car, and helped me give my kids holiday memories.”

Oliver began college a bit older than other students and was also nontraditional as a single father whose style included tattoos and unique clothing. Between mental health issues and his heritage, Oliver felt out of place. He noticed a “cultural disparity that would fail to acknowledge my needs as a person out of place acclimating to a tricky situation.”

Despite his challenges, Oliver was committed to being a role model for his two sons, 7-year-old Myles and 5-year-old Alistair. He told us, “I wanted to show my children that you don’t have to be constrained by labels, and you can pursue your goals. I wanted them to have the courage to do what they want.”

As time passed, Oliver’s confidence grew, especially when receiving financial help from the AIEF scholarship. He shared, “The scholarship helped me gain confidence and autonomy as a student, which resulted in me collaborating with the Director of Indian Education and the Campus Registrar to bring the inaugural Indigenous Peoples Eagle Feather Graduation Ceremony to the University of Providence.”

Oliver and his sons plan to move to New Mexico, where Oliver plans to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in cognition, brain, and behavior. He’ll use his education for grant work and social justice opportunities for Native Americans, and he also hopes to build a recording studio for those who need an opportunity to make their voices heard. Oliver explained, “My plan is to offer an affordable option for musicians who are not allowed the same resources.”

In a message to AIEF donors, Oliver thanks them for their confidence and investment in his future: “I want you to know that your contribution can be life-changing for people like me. I want you to know how grateful I am for myself and my children. I felt acknowledged and supported, and I’ll never forget that. Thank you. It means the world to me, and I plan to utilize my gift and talents to contribute in every way possible.” Donate to AIEF today.