Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation rates have increased 26% at early colleges.
Photo credit: Jerry Davis

What is the Center for Native Education?
The Center for Native Education (CNE) is a grant-supported organization that funds the development of educational programs that increase academic success for Native peoples.

What are early colleges for Native youth?
Early colleges are culturally relevant, academically rigorous high schools where Native American students earn college credit while completing high school. School districts, tribes or urban Indian communities and colleges or universities collaborate to develop and run early colleges.

How is early college different from other programs that allow students to earn college credit during high school?
At early colleges, high school and college courses are integrated so that secondary students earn up to two years of college credit for free. Early colleges are located in local communities so students do not have to leave their communities to earn college credits. Early colleges offer students daily support so that they can earn a high school diploma and college credits at the same time.

What types of students attend early colleges for Native youth?
Early colleges serve Native American and other under-represented students of all academic skill levels. CNE schools do not screen out students by testing or admissions processes.

Do early college students pay tuition?
Students do not pay tuition or any other college costs such as textbooks, registration fees or placement tests while attending early college

Why should Native communities consider starting an early college?
Native students have the highest dropout rate of any ethnic group in the U.S. But in just a few short years, attendance, test scores, and graduation and college access rates have all increased at early colleges. These schools provide the support needed to improve educational outcomes for Native students. Moreover, the unique partnership between tribal, secondary and postsecondary partners opens the door to a college education for Native students. In a nutshell, early colleges work for Native communities.

What is New Path?
New Path integrates adults and adolescents in early college classes. New Path was funded by Lumina Foundation for Education in 2005 and promotes multi-generational learning, a traditional approach to education among Native peoples.

Who can apply for an early college grant?
Tribes, universities, colleges, tribal colleges, high schools, school districts and community groups can apply for an early college grant. Established high schools can be converted to an early college model or new schools can be started with grant funds.

How can I apply for an early college grant?
Visit the CNE website at www.CenterForNativeEd.org to find information on funding guidelines and the application process. You may also call our office at (206) 268-4137, or email info@centerfornativeed.org.