College is not free for Native Americans. In fact, Native students face educational barriers, from funding to the digital divide and racial prejudice. 48-year-old Donna of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is about to graduate college after a challenging journey. To help Donna finish strong, the American Indian Education Fund (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), awarded her a vocational scholarship made possible by the Grow With Google (GWG) Indigenous Career Readiness Program.

Donna’s passion for higher learning came from a desire to help others lead positive lives. “During the 1980s and early 1990s racism was very prevalent in our community, so we were denied opportunities just for being Native American.” She adds that her parents “did not have much financially.” Between generational poverty and limited job opportunities on reservations, Native Americans are much more likely to have incomes below poverty than Whites, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

After becoming a mother at age 17, Donna earned her GED. Her career in criminal justice began as a 911 Dispatcher on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. “Being a 911 Dispatcher fulfilled my goal of helping others by getting officers or medics to them. During this time, I was also able to squeeze in a few college classes.”

In 2009, Donna worked for the tribe’s Housing Authority and began helping Child Protection Services connect with the right resources. “We established even better communication with the people by having these entities come together.” Donna believes that similar collaborations can be developed to help people on and off the reservation. “I’ve chosen to get my degree in criminal justice because of a gap in communication between law enforcement and the communities.” She explains that a Community Liaison position would help deter crime and address racial issues. “Law enforcement needs more support. There are 33 officers for the whole reservation, so why not invest in your community?”

When Donna graduates in the spring of 2023, she plans to start closing the communication gap. “I am hoping to reach out and start educating people about the law enforcement process and also educate officers on Native American culture.”

After completing her associate degree in criminal justice at Western Dakota Technical Institute, Donna will pursue her bachelor’s in the same field and decide on a specialty: probation, parole or court procedures, which happens to be her favorite class. Excited to continue her journey, Donna now has valuable knowledge from her GWG training, including an “Organize Your Google Drive” course that makes for more efficient research and communication.

Donna also points out the financial support she received from AIEF. “Without the scholarship, I don’t know how I would’ve paid for tuition. The cost of living is so high.” She notes that prices for gas, food and other necessities have steadily risen.

Donna works two jobs to support herself through school and holds an A average despite major health issues. Regardless of her challenges, Donna still devotes time to volunteering and being with her family. “My biggest accomplishment was raising four wonderful children in a small town that didn’t offer much.” Donna is proud to serve as an example to her children when it comes to completing her goals. “This scholarship is going to help me finish what I started many years ago!”

Lend your support to Native scholars like Donna who are ready to change the world by donating to AIEF today.