Integrating Indigenous perspectives into graduate research
The American Indian Graduate Program promotes an intersectional approach to indigeneity. We ensure that graduate students are encouraged and supported in bringing Indigenous perspectives to their research, integrating diverse ways of knowing and inclusion of Indigenous methodologies and concepts of tribal stewardship, and enriching the diversity that defines the Berkeley graduate community.
AIGP assists Native and Indigenous graduate students throughout their academic career, providing mentoring, and connecting students with campus organizations and resources.
Be a part of the community — sign up to the AIGP listserv.
Connect with AIGP
Where to Find AIGP
AIGP Office
Inclusive Excellence Hub (2515 Channing Way)
Berkeley, CA 94720-5900
Native American campus organizations
A number of organizations exist on campus enabling Native and Indigenous students to build community. Native American Student Development lists additional opportunities.
Indigenous Graduate Student Association
The IGSA (formerly known as AIGSA), is dedicated to bringing Native and Indigenous identifying graduate students together from across campus. Through academic, social, and outreach events, IGSA works towards strengthening the Native American/Indigenous student community on-campus and beyond.
American Indian Science & Engineering Society
AISES supports Native American students pursuing a STEM degree by building a community in collaboration with other ethnic groups.
Native American Law Students Association
NALSA is a community devoted to seeing Native people represented in the law, and the law working on behalf of Native people.
AIGP Events and Programs
Through AIGP-sponsored and campus partnership events, we help foster excellence in mentoring leadership at all levels of educational engagement and diversity. AIGP provides graduate students access to Native American seminars, workshops and programming with faculty, graduate fellowship students and Native American professionals engaged in professional careers or research at UC Berkeley.
AIGP Events
No upcoming events in category AIGP
Meet with an AIGP Diversity Fellow
If you are considering graduate study with UC Berkeley, make a one-on-one appointment with one of our AIGP Diversity and Community Fellows, Marlena Robbins or Taloa Cardinal.
Native American Graduate Student Funding
Native Americans are among the most underrepresented groups within higher education, including at UC Berkeley. As part of our commitment to expand diversity and make graduate education more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds, two new financial support opportunities will ensure that all newly accepted and current California Native American UC students can attend tuition free. Both opportunities will be available beginning fall 2022.
UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan (opens in a new tab) ensures that in-state system-wide tuition and student services fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes.
To be eligible for the Native American Opportunity Plan, students must be a current or newly admitted UC undergraduate, graduate or professional school student enrolled in a qualifying UC degree program; a California resident; and an enrolled member in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe. Details about this program can be found on UC Berkeley’s Financial Aid & Scholarships NAOP (opens in a new tab) page.
A separate application is not needed to qualify for the Native American Opportunity Plan — UC will contact you directly. If you think you qualify or have questions, contact UC Berkeley’s American Indian Graduate Program at [email protected].
A separate application is not needed to qualify for the Native American Opportunity Plan — UC Berkeley will contact you directly.
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Scholarship Fund (opens in a new tab) covers tuition and mandatory fees both for non federally recognized California Native American UC students along with any added needed support for those from federally recognized tribes. Application details for this funding opportunity will be coming soon.
Together these two programs will allow all eligible California Native American students to attend with tuition and fees covered.
Mentorship
AIGP provides direct one to one mentorship for students and can assist in helping develop additional programs and resources that support the Indigenous student experience.
AIGP mentorship trains and supports mentors by providing information related to mentoring, student resources, student socialization, cultural humility training, and culturally attuned practices for research conducted by AI/AN students.
AIGP assists in removing perceived barriers at UC Berkeley and coordinating campus resources that include faculty, staff and administrators who provide support in different areas of graduate education, from enrollment, student services, policy and research and teaching support.
Resources for Native American Graduate Students
AIGP centralizes and connects graduate students with resources and programs supporting and enhancing the Native/Indigenous student experience, and creating community with other underrepresented groups across campus.
- Indigenous Graduate Student Association (IGSA)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- CAL NERDS
- Department of Ethnic Studies – Native American Studies
- Inclusive Excellence Hub
- Joe Myers Center
- Native American Law Student Association (NALSA)
- Native American Student Development Resources & Programs
- Native FEWS Alliance
- UC Berkeley Identity Based Resources & Space
- UC Berkeley Tribal Partnerships
- UCOP Native American Resources
- UC Berkeley NAGPRA Advisory Committee
- Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanxs and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Additional Resources
Finding the resources to support your academic journey at Berkeley can be stressful. AIGP is a part of the Office for Graduate Diversity which provides support and resources for all underrepresented students, including those who are undocumented, first-generation college students, and those who are educationally and financially challenged.
Graduate Peer Support Providers offer one-on-one assistance in navigating the complex processes related to mental health, basic needs, and academia. As graduate students themselves, PSP’s provide support to their peers through understanding, experience, respect, and an equity based lens.
Next Steps & Questions
If you think you qualify or have questions, prospective and current students are encouraged to contact AIGP at [email protected]. AIGP is also available to assist with seeking additional external awards.
Additional details and frequently asked questions provided by UC Berkeley’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office and UCOP