A Celebration Like No Other: Native Forward's 55th Annual Gala

The momentous event will unite supporters, alumni, and advocates to honor the transformative power of education in Indigenous communities.

SAN DIEGO, March 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest direct provider of scholarships for Native students, will celebrate its 55^th anniversary on April 2 at 6-9pm with a gala at Venue 808 in San Diego.

This year's gala, themed "Empowering Native Futures," is more than just a milestone — it's a high energy celebration of Native scholars, their achievements, and the transformative power of education in Indigenous communities. Supporters, alumni, and advocates will come together for a night filled with inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to make a lasting impact.

"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," said Angelique Albert (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native Forward.

Native Forward awards up to $15 million annually in direct scholarships, student programming, and support services to over 22,000 Native students from all 50 states and more than 500 Tribes since its inception. Through this work, we have increased the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%—compared to the national average of 41% for Native students—and increased the rate for graduate students to 95%.

This reception-style gala will break the mold of traditional black-tie events, offering live music and performances by Native scholars and alumni, the induction of the second class of Hall of Fame honorees, powerful storytelling, and ways to support the next generation of Native leaders.

More information on event details, tickets, and sponsorships can be found online.

Media RSVP: [email protected] 

About Native Forward:

Native Forward Scholars Fund is the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students for greater economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty for scholars and Tribal communities. The organization is committed to ensuring that every Native student who wants to pursue higher education has the resources to do so. Over 55 years, it has empowered over 22,000 scholars from more than 500 Tribes in all 50 states and contributed to over 1,700 law degrees and more than 2,200 PhD degrees. By pairing scholarships with meaningful, culturally relevant student support and programming, Native Forward has succeeded in increasing the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41% for Native students, and has boosted the rate for graduate students to 95%.

Contact: Jacqueline Lee Rivera
[email protected]

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SOURCE Native Forward Scholars Fund