EXPANDING THE CIRCLE


Special Programs Introduction | Learning Support Center (LSC) | Native Games | Native Culinary Arts

Expanding the Circle 2008: "Respecting the Past & Preparing for the Future"

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Expanding the Circle: Respecting the Past & Preparing for the Future, is a two-week residential summer program for Native American students who are currently in their junior or senior year of high school and who are planning to pursue a post-secondary degree.  The Expanding the Circle curriculum is designed to offer a structured process and a set of culturally relevant activities that will facilitate successful transition for Native high school students to whichever institution of higher education they plan to attend. 

Ropes Course @ Expanding the Circle 2007

Students selected to participate will travel to the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico where they will be housed in IAIA dorms for the length of the program.  Each day is planned to provide participants with activities and workshops that focus on subjects such as: family history, community history, identifying support systems, learning styles, goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, organization skills, problem solving, living with roommates, transition planning and many more.  After a busy day, participants have the opportunity to take part in fun activities and field trips to areas in and around Santa Fe.      

2007 Expanding the Circle Participants

5 ETC College Mentors will be on staff to assist participants throughout the program.  ETC College Mentors are full-time students who have made a successful transition from high school to college. 
This year we are pleased to have ETC Alumni join the ranks of our college mentors.  In providing program mentors we hope to offer participants a more current and realistic perspective of life after high school.    


A fairly new addition to the program is the leadership camp held the weekend of June 14 and June 15.  We have teamed up with the Santa Fe Mountain Center Native American Emergence Program who will challenge the ETC group to take part in high ropes events and other fun learning activities.  Participants will camp out overnight at the Santa Fe Mountain Center in Tesuque, NM.  During our time at the camp participants will work to establish team development, trust and leadership which will encourage self-discovery.

We have 20 program scholarships available for students to participate in this year’s Expanding the Circle.  Scholarships cover a participant’s room & board, workshop materials and other fees associated with the program.  Transportation can be provided for students residing in NM. 

If you are, or know of a student who would benefit from a program which helps prepare students for the dramatic changes that occur when pursuing post-secondary education, please have them contact: Alissa Chavez at 1-800-804-6422 ext. 2341 or achavez@iaia.edu for more information or for an application.  Deadline for ETC applications is May 23, 2008.

APPLICATION DOWNLOAD

To download the application for ETC 2008 (.PDF) Click here.

Application Instructions: Please fill out the ETC Student Application completely. In
addition to the ETC Student Application you will need to include the following:

• A one-page essay (typed, double-spaced) beginning with one of these phrases:
  • When I think about the future…
  • Something I would like to change…
  • My biggest concern about life after high school is…
  • I believe in…
  • My greatest hope/dream for the future…
  • I feel most peaceful when…
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or member of your
  community who knows you well and is aware of your plans to pursue higher
  education.
• A copy of your unofficial high school transcripts

Application packet must arrive at our office no later than Friday, May 23, 2008.

MAIL APPLICATION TO: