PITZER’S NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE WITH WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
2014 - 2015
“Tradition for life, Education for the future.”
PITZER’S NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE WITH WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
2014 - 2015 Pitzer College and Western University of Health Sciences are proud to sponsor Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College. This program supports Native American students’ transitions from high school to college, in a two-week on-campus program for students grades 9 through 12, that focuses on the humanities and health sciences while building the academic skills necessary for college. Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College is designed to motivate students to complete high school, build critical thinking skills, and strengthen their self-esteem. Native American Scholars and Elders contribute cultural knowledge and traditional ways of learning within the academic environment. During the Pipeline, students meet speakers and staff members who will serve as supportive contacts throughout their future college application process, and university and post-university journeys.
Elders and Cultural Program The community plays an important and direct role in engaging with the students of the Pipeline Program. The Elders come from all over Southern California to share and pass on their knowledge with our students. In particular, we make sure that Elders from local area tribes, the Tongva and Chumash, are involved to teach students about their history and traditions. For the Elders, the chance to talk directly with students is what keeps them motivated, makes them feel good about the future generations of Native people. They know that passing on knowledge and teaching students about ceremonies and tradition can make all the difference in the world.
Pitzer College Participants were immersed in the college experience by taking classes by Pitzer Professors Adrian Pantoja who taught a class on Politics of Surfing and Albert Wachtel who taught a course on Shakespeare. Pitzer Professor Gina Lamb taught the students about Media Studies and using blogging as a community building and reflective writing tool. Pipeline students were also able to sharpen their academic writing skills with David Zackery, a recent Pitzer graduate. Elder Vicente Reyes taught Aztec Math using the Nepohualtzintzin, a very accurate indigenous counting tool.
Western University of Health Sciences Classes at Western University of Health Sciences familiarize Pipeline students with health careers by having culturally sensitive health workshops (such as Suturing, Phlebotomy, Anatomy, Health and Exercise, etc) that provide a holistic approach for addressing both physical and mental health issues in Native communities. Western U medical students, doctors, and administrators all play hands-on roles by sharing their realistic views on following a health career path.
Wishtoyo Chumash Village Wishtoyo curriculum focused on students deepening their knowledge of marine biology, global warming, and related topics through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) curriculum, Chumash Maritime History & Practice. Classes included an Introduction to Intertidal Ecology and Monitoring with the Merito Foundation, Introduction to NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students), Smuwic language/songs, and Mako Surf Camp.
Santa Cruz Island Participants spent three days on Limuw (Santa Cruz Island) to gain hands�on experience of marine biology fieldwork. At Limuw, students engaged in activities from the interpretation of Chumash cultural and archeological sites, flora & fauna, snorkeling, kayaking, sanctuary habitats, ocean acidification and learning about kelp connections in the marine food chain. Researchers and scientists from the Reserve servedWW as teachers and guides for the duration of the stay.
Special Thanks to Our Funders San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Lummi Nation and Youth Academy Wishtoyo Foundation Inyo Indian Colony Pitzer College Western University of Health Sciences W. M. Keck Science Department Edison International Jay Chiat Foundation Mudd Foundation Assistance League of Bellingham Whatcom Community Foundation Gloria Gold Srumeh Labow Deborah L Granger C.A. Peter Granger Donald Paulson Claudia Callahan Ursula Zvilna Beth Brownfield Gary Piazzon Dianne Deseck Piazzon
PITZER’S NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE WITH WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
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