Texas Tech Institute Encourages Native American Students

Texas Tech University is hosting the Native American Summer Bridge Institute (NASBI) July 20-25on the Texas Tech campus. The program accepts students of Native American heritage in West Texas who are entering their junior year of high school. The institute is designed to introduce incoming juniors to activities and resources available to students interested in attending college, bridging the transition from high school. The institute features college academic courses and campus life activities, as well as tours of Texas Tech, the Ranching Heritage Center and the Lubbock Lake Landmark. Participants receive housing, meals and all other materials at no cost. Students participating in the week-long institute will live on campus. The program is free of charge and travel to Texas Tech University was paid by the institute.  Students participating in NASBI are representing the Zuni, Wichita, Jemez Pueblo, Mescalero, Kiowa, Navajo, and Cochiti Pueblo. "The Native American Summer Bridge Institute introduces students to college life, academics and resources available to help high school students as they begin to prepare for college - and to help them understand that college is possible," said Jobi Martinez, director of the Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center. "Staying on campus is important because they have the opportunity to meet new people and explore Texas Tech."  The institute is organized by faculty and staff members that coordinate the university's American Indian/Native American activities. Parents and elders also are welcome to participate at no cost. For more information, contact the Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center at (806) 742-8681 or visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/diversity.