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Native American Heritage Month

Learn About the Experiences of Native American Students at WGU


 

Every student is unique. We feel that your educational experience should be as individual as you are. We value our students' differences because we believe diversity brings strength, which is why we strive to be the world's most inclusive university. WGU strives to close the gap between skill and opportunity.

We work to recognize, promote, and amplify the voices of students around the country while also expanding opportunities for them. This mission motivates us to provide high-quality, equitable higher education to people from all walks of life. We work to achieve equity for all students by making college degrees more accessible.

Headquartered in Utah, WGU acknowledges that this land, named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. We recognize the contributions the first Americans made to this country and celebrate the heritage of our Native American students, alumni, and employees.

Student & Employee Spotlights

Native American Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Renee Crooked Arm

WGU alumna Renee Crooked Arm is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana as well as a descendant of the Eastern Shoshone and Chippewa Cree tribes of Wyoming and Montana. Her teaching philosophy utilizes her education and her shared experiences with her students.

Employee Spotlight for Native American Heritage Month: Brenda Julander

Brenda Julander left her corporate job in search of a bigger purpose. She is now the Executive Assistant to the Chief Academic Officer and Provost at WGU, as well as the Chair of the Indigenous@WGU employee resource group. Learn more about her journey and her appreciation for community.

"The Indigenous@WGU ERG provides an online forum for Native American and Alaska Native employees and allies/friends to connect and develop a sense of community, safety, and belonging. We also advocate for Native American and Alaska Native Diversity and Inclusion training for all WGU employees, including leadership. We provide opportunities for personal and professional growth through education, such as panel discussions, and resources on how to best support Native American and Alaska Native employees and students. We celebrate and commemorate dates of importance to the Native American and Alaska Native community. We ​​collaborate with other ERGs within WGU to further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts."

–Indigenous@WGU Employee Resource Group

Advance Equity Speaker Series

View the recording of our conversation with Zonnie Gorman as she shares the remarkable journey of her father who was one of the first twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. Recognized historian of the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, Zonnie is an expert in her field and a dedicated teacher. She has served as a consultant to numerous documentaries, museum exhibitions and authors.

Read more about the life and work of Zonnie Gorman.

“Growing Up with Heroes"

A Daughter’s Journey with the Navajo Code Talkers

Co-sponsored by Office of the Provost

WGU Partnerships

WGU WA and NWIC Partner to Encourage More Grads from Tribal Communities to Earn University Degrees

Special benefits extended to NWIC grads and employees in first-of-its-kind partnership for WGU

Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers for Women in Tech at WGU

WGU strives to eliminate barriers that stand between you and a quality education–which is why we've teamed up with the Reboot Representation Tech Coalition to launch B4 Women in Tech

Visit the WGU Store

WGU Store: Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with WGU with our officially branded merchandise!

Scholarships Available for Affordable Education

Scholarships are one of the many ways in which WGU removes obstacles from your path to achieving your education goals and improving your career opportunities.

Opportunity Grant

WGU is committed to increasing equity of access to all individuals who desire to achieve a college degree. This grant, the Opportunity Grant, is an investment to allow underserved populations the funding necessary to achieve this goal.

Online Access Scholarship

If selected, this scholarship will provide recipients with the technology they need to pursue an online degree. The scholarship will provide recipients with equipment that will eliminate barrier to internet access. 

Rise Above Grant

Many people are feeling the impact of inflation. As life seems to get more expensive by the day, WGU wants to make affording your education one less thing to worry about. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Rise Above Grant. If you’re a new student facing financial hardships from inflation, you may apply for this grant, which may provide up to $4,000 that can be used toward your tuition.