About the Program

The Iowa First Nations Program (IFN) provides Native American student high school students the opportunity to live on campus, experience the university setting, explore majors, learn more about the Native American culture, and gain an appreciation for the variety of opportunities at Iowa. Participants will attend structured classroom seminars and field trips to various campus departments, enjoy hands-on classroom experiences, and have the opportunity to get involved in social and recreational activities. 

We aim to provide a space for Indigenous youth to learn about themselves, their community, and the college experience.

For questions on the Summer Program, contact Alma Bernal at alma-bernal@uiowa.edu and Karla Madrigal at karla-madrigal@uiowa.edu

This program is free for participants; Lodging, meals, and camp activities are provided at no cost to the student upon admission into the program. Participants will be high school students in good standing who are entering the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and who have heritage backgrounds that are based on Native American culture.

Participants must be affiliated with one of the 67 tribes associated with the Iowa, Kickapoo, Menominee, Miami, Missouri (Otoe), Ojibwa (Chippewa), Omaha, Otoe (Missouri), Ottawa (Odawa), Potawatomi, Sac and Fox (Sauk, Meskwaki), Sioux, or Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) nations.

All admitted participants will be awarded a travel reimbursement of up to $300* to attend the Iowa First Nations Summer Program. This travel reimbursement can reimburse airfare, meals, hotel expenses, and/or mileage.

*Total travel reimbursement of up to $300 per student.

"Travel Mileage Reimbursement Rate:

• The standard mileage rate for business travel will be 65.5 cents per mile.
• The rate of 32.7 cents per mile is applicable if the trip is more than 100 miles.
• Students must save and submit all receipts for meals, hotels, and airfare (if applicable). Mileage will be determined from the student’s home address to 100 Pomerantz Center, Iowa City, IA 52242

If you would apply to host a workshop during the program, please fill out this form

https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8cxirqezcv70E2q

If you would like to apply as a paid instructor for the week, please send a cover letter, resume, & three professional references to alma-bernal@uiowa.edu and karla-madrigal@uiowa.edu