Native American and Indigenous Scholars Collaborative

The Native American and Indigenous Scholars Collaborative (NAISC) is designed to help reduce the profound gap in the numbers of school counselors and school psychologists appropriately trained to serve Native American and other Indigenous youth and communities.

The NAISC Project provides a cross-level cohort model, Native American mentors, models, readings, ongoing specialty seminar, and supervised specialized field placements.

We emphasize strength and resilience-based interventions that affirm the culture of the child and recognize the influences of historical trauma and colonization.

Combined with graduate studies and coursework, we learn and use specialized knowledge to differentiate difference from disability, and to help design and deliver culturally appropriate pedagogical and psychological services. 

NAISC is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

• NAISC provides a cross-level cohort model, Native American mentors, models, readings, ongoing speciality seminar, and supervised specialized field placements.
  
  
• Financial incentives offset the costs of tuition, and help support scholars with supplies, professional development, mileage to rural placements, and involvement in Native American educational activities and professional programs.
  
  
• Two rural partner school districts provide access to work with Native American students, parent groups, and tribal communities.
  
  
• NAISC supports the preparation of fully qualified School Psychologists and School Counselors to serve a diverse range of youth, and to specialize in service with Native American youth.