PHOENIX – (BUSINESS WIRE) – 10/11/2021–
The University of Phoenix announces the success of its Tribal Operations team, dedicated to working with tribal leaders and supporting the unique challenges faced by Indigenous American, Alaskan, and Hawaiian tribal students. Benefiting from the implementation of systems designed to help them overcome educational barriers, tribal students at the university are completing their fourth course at a higher rate than non-tribal students at the university.
“As a demographic, tribal students tend to perform at the lowest level of any other group in virtually any education-related matrix, such as grades, whereabouts, or graduation rates,” said Patrick Horning, National Tribal Strategic Alliance Executive at the University of Phoenix. “Our goal is to give these students the confidence and tools they need to be successful by preparing them for college and organizing work, school and family balance.”
The University of Phoenix spent two years meeting face-to-face with tribal leaders and research to better understand the challenges faced by tribal students and their communities. These efforts found that tribal students often felt unprepared for college classes, unsure how to cope with the demands of work, school, and family at the same time, and struggled with their self-esteem. In addition to lacking confidence in the system, many have also seen friends and family try and fail the college experience.
Based on detailed research, the Tribal Operations Team was created to increase academic performance and graduation rates, provide students with a support system to help them build self-confidence, and provide tribal leaders with a return on their educational investment.
“In addition to being assisted by the Tribal Operations team during my master’s degree in management, I am working with the team on a professional level as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association,” said Ernie Stevens, Jr., MM, chairman. National Indian Gaming Association and University of Phoenix alumni. “I cannot say enough about your commitment to the academic success of tribal students, minimizing study costs for our members and staff, and helping us educate our members and staff.”
The Tribal Operations team works with tribal leaders and the university’s enrollment team to guide students through the scholarship application process and ensure they are following the unique guidelines for financial aid for their tribe or tribal business. The team then works closely with students during the first four grades to lay a foundation for success. Trained in the customs, cultures and traditions of different tribes, the Tribal Operations team coaches students throughout their educational journey to success. This includes checking the trainers’ feedback and helping them overcome challenges without becoming overwhelmed.
After implementing this program, tribal students completed their first course in 2020 at a rate four percentage points higher than the average University of Phoenix student. After their fourth course, tribal students had graduation rates eight points higher than the average college student. At the end of the students’ first academic year, tribal affiliation remains above the overall student average.
“The result was amazing considering historical averages,” said Horning. “We plan to expand the retention strategy even further, knowing that this approach works. Our goal is to support tribal members and help them go to school and thrive, unlike what they have seen in other family or community members in the past. “
In recognition of the university’s role in promoting and assisting Indians aspiring to higher education, the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) presented the University of Phoenix with the NIGA 2021 Business Leadership Award this summer.
For more information, please contact the University of Phoenix Tribal Operations Team at 800-486-2145 or tribalops@phoenix.edu.
About the University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults improve their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue their professional and personal goals while balancing their busy lives. Visit phoenix.edu for more information.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211011005050/en/
CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharla Hooper
University of Phoenix
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu
KEYWORD: ARIZONA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER CONSUMERS CONSUMERS EDUCATION UNIVERSITY
SOURCE: University of Phoenix
Copyright Business Wire 2021.
PUB: 10/11/2021 8:00 AM / DISC: 10/11/2021 8:02 AM
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211011005050/en
Copyright Business Wire 2021.
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