Pi'amkinwaas

American Indian Center for Educational Excellence

Student Gathering & American Indian Initiatives Development Center

MISSION STATEMENT

The Pi’amkinwaas – American Indian Center for Educational Excellence - promotes a positive learning environment which provides student support services with consideration to the unique cultural and community values of American Indian people. The center is respectful and inclusive of student representatives of all Nations.

Initiatives Development:

As part of its service delivery, Pi’amkinwaas houses grant initiatives which support our Indian population. Two programs currently housed are American Indian Students in the Leadership of Education (AISLE), and American Indian Students in the Leadership of Education Teacher Project (ATP).

The Pi’amkinwaas is a place for students to celebrate learning and transition and a sense of American Indian community is a priority for the center. On average, LCSC currently enrolls 183 American Indian students per academic year and students utilizing the center can participate and become involved in the LCSC Indian Club, educational leadership retreats, pow-wow planning and development, and other campus-wide activities. To ensure meeting the needs of students, the Pi’amkinwaas has initiated the following goals:

• The Pi’amkinwaas will aid transitioning LCSC students by creating an environment that emphasizes involvement, inclusion and identification with the LCSC community.

• The Pi’amkinwaas will help identify academic support and personal development services for students.

• The Pi’amkinwaas will provide opportunities for students to participate in culturally relevant activities that support their tribal traditions and customs.

To aid meeting these goals, the Pi’amkinwaas offers the following services:

Computer Resources: The Pi’amkinwaas offers a computer lab that is available to students from 8:00 a.m—5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can use DELL or Apple desktops and may also checkout laptop computers with the approval from Pi’amkinwaas staff.

Tutorial Services: Math and English composition tutorial services are provided to students utilizing the center throughout each academic semester.

Coordinating Resources: LCSC Pi’amkinwaas coordinates with the LCSC Native American & Minority Student Services Office to ensure American Indian students receive adequate student support services. Support services include assistance with admissions, financial aid and academic advising.