Celebrating 55 Years of Empowering Native Scholars at Native Forward's Gala

A Celebration to Remember: Native Forward's 55th Gala

On April 2, 2025, the Native Forward Scholars Fund marks a significant milestone—the celebration of its 55th anniversary. This grand event will take place from 6 PM to 9 PM at Venue 808 in San Diego, California, and is themed "Empowering Native Futures." It's not just an ordinary gala; it's a jubilant gathering that showcases the remarkable achievements of Native scholars and emphasizes the transformative role of education within Indigenous communities.

The annual gala is a high-energy affair meant to inspire and unite students, alumni, supporters, and advocates, all gathered to celebrate the advancements made in higher education for Native students. The CEO of Native Forward, Angelique Albert of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, expressed her enthusiasm: "Over the last 55 years, we have been empowering the next generation of Native leaders by providing support for Native students to pursue higher education. We're so excited to celebrate our impact – and our brilliant students – together with our supporters and advocates."

Since its inception, Native Forward has awarded up to $15 million annually in direct scholarships and additional support services to over 22,000 Native students across all 50 states and from more than 500 different tribes. Thanks to these efforts, graduation rates have surged to 69% for undergraduates, starkly higher than the national average of 41% for Native students, while graduate student rates have soared even further to 95%.

The gala seeks to break traditional banquet norms by offering a lively atmosphere complete with live music, performances by Native artists, and storytelling that resonates with the experiences of Native youth. This year, it will also feature the induction of the second class of Hall of Fame honorees, celebrating exemplary leaders and advocates in the community.

This event is an invitation—not just to enjoy a night of entertainment, but also to engage actively in fostering the futures of Native students. Participants will have multiple opportunities to learn how to contribute meaningfully to the initiative aiming towards empowering the next generation of Native scholars.

For those interested in participating in this landmark event, further details including ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities are available online. Media wishing to RSVP are encouraged to reach out directly via the provided contact email.

About Native Forward

The Native Forward Scholars Fund stands as the largest direct provider of scholarships for Native students in the United States. The organization strives for greater economic mobility and self-determination among Native students and communities. Over the years, Native Forward has supported the educational journeys of over 22,000 scholars, contributing significantly to professional fields by empowering graduates in various disciplines, including law and advanced sciences. By offering scholarships alongside culturally relevant support and programming, Native Forward enhances the chances of success for students navigating higher education. Through these efforts, the organization not only elevates individuals but also uplifts entire tribes and communities, ensuring that each voice is heard and each future is bright.

For more information and to partake in this monumental celebration, stay connected with Native Forward and join the movement to elevate Native futures.