Education plays a vital role in empowering Native American students to achieve their dreams and create positive change in their communities. Unfortunately, only 19% of Native Americans aged 18 to 24 years old enroll in college, compared to 41% of the overall U.S. population. For many Native American youths, pursuing higher education is a path filled with obstacles, including financial challenges and limited resources. The American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF) program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) is dedicated to helping students overcome these barriers by providing scholarships and support to help them succeed.

Growing up in Window Rock, Arizona, the capital of the Navajo Nation, Kateri faced many challenges. Limited access to basic utilities like electricity, running water, and air conditioning made daily life difficult. Yet, she remained positive, finding strength in her family and cultural roots.

“We made the most of it when I was growing up,” Kateri recalled. Her father, who kept many animals, taught her how to care for them. “I became so attached to animals because I grew up around them. We basically lived on a ranch,” she said. These early experiences ignited her passion for animal care and inspired her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Kateri is pursuing her studies at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona. She chose Glendale for its affordable tuition and plans to transfer to the University of Arizona’s veterinary program after completing her associate’s degree in biological science. As a first-generation college student, this journey is especially meaningful. “I’m proud of my culture and, as a role model to my younger siblings, I try to set an example to motivate them to do something with their lives.”

The transition from life in Window Rock to Phoenix was challenging. “Moving down here was difficult because I didn’t know how to drive in a big city. It was pretty scary,” Kateri explained. Adjusting to a larger city and navigating a busy campus tested her resilience. “Before coming to college, I wasn’t an outspoken person,” she admitted. “I really had to learn to be more outspoken and meet new people.” Through practice, she built her confidence and found new opportunities simply by being herself.

Despite these achievements, Kateri still misses home. To stay grounded, she keeps up with her love for basketball and visits her family whenever possible.

Kateri’s experiences on the Navajo Nation also opened her eyes to the challenges animals face in underserved communities. “You’ll see dogs on the side of the road, animals run over — anything from a small cat to a big horse,” she shared. Overpopulation of stray dogs and wild horses is a major concern, often resulting in neglected or injured animals. “For others, it might be annoying, but for me, it’s heartbreaking.” Her long-term goal is to return to the Navajo Nation and address these issues by providing affordable animal care and supporting the community that shaped her.

Although she didn’t know about any scholarships available to Native students at first, Kateri learned about the AIEF scholarship through her aunt, who encouraged her to apply. She shared, “AIEF was one of the first scholarships that awarded me. It gave me the boost of confidence to apply to other scholarships.” With financial support from AIEF, Kateri was able to cover essentials like gas, food, and books while saving money for an apartment and car repairs.

Kateri has big dreams for her future. She told us, “After completing my degree, I plan to move back to the Navajo Nation to help my community the way they helped me. People out there are very supportive and want what’s best for the new generation. When I see my community go through problems, I want to try to help reduce overpopulation and help the animals in need.”

Kateri shared a message to AIEF donors, telling us, “Thank you so much for providing and supporting all Indigenous students and giving them the opportunity to go to school. Going to college is not cheap, and I’m beyond grateful. Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to afford what I have right now.”

Countless Native students like Kateri need the support to make their dreams a reality. Donate to AIEF today to help. Her journey continues as she works toward her veterinary degree and a future where she can improve the well-being of animals and strengthen her community.