Cheyenne P., a member of the Navajo Nation from Shiprock, NM has always been drawn to working with young children, but her mother’s role as a high school substitute teacher inspired her to pursue a career in education. Now in her final year at NAU’s Flagstaff campus, she is preparing to be a 1st-3rd-grade teacher and is excelling in school after receiving a scholarship from American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

The AIEF scholarship has eased the financial pressure of college life, covering essential costs such as her meal plan, textbooks, and parking. The scholarship support has allowed her to focus on her studies and fieldwork rather than worrying about paying for them. “It’s helped me stay focused on my education journey, pursue my dreams and goals without having to worry about funds or how to pay for my education,” she said. 

As a nontraditional, older student, Cheyenne admits her return to school was intimidating. “It was very challenging and intimidating, but having the funds for AIEF assisting in paying for college gave me encouragement and confidence to continue going to school,” she shared.  

She encourages other Native students to take the leap: “You can do it. Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.” 

Beyond tuition assistance, Cheyenne values the AIEF care packages, which provide practical items like hand sanitizers and tissues that she uses daily. Items she doesn’t personally need, such as colored pencils, find new life in her practicum classrooms, benefiting the children she teaches.  

Cheyenne wants donors to understand the lasting ripple effect of their generosity. “Change happens with you. Donors help us get an education so we can help our communities. You help fund our dreams,” she said. 

In a time when Native teachers are significantly underrepresented in U.S. classrooms, Cheyenne’s journey shows the impact of scholarships like AIEF, not only changing one life. But also shaping the futures of countless young students she will soon teach. Donate to AIEF today.