The University of Oregon will cover tuition and fees for in-state Indigenous students from any federally recognized tribe (cnn.com)

Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration at the University of Oregon honoring tribal communities and sharing their history and traditions.

Author: To read Alaa Elassar's article, please click here.

The University of Oregon celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day by announcing a new program that will cover tuition and fees for Indigenous tribal members residing in Oregon.

The Home Flight Scholars Program was launched Monday and will immediately allow the estimated 150 to 175 eligible self-identified American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate students on campus to receive financial assistance.

“The Home Flight Scholars Program tackles the unique challenges these students face and prepares them to graduate with an education and the experience that empowers them to return home and make a positive impact in their communities and for their families,” said the school’s interim president Patrick Phillips in anews release.

The goal of the program, according to the university, is to combat the three biggest issues Indigenous students face: financial issues, academic difficulties, and the struggle to connect with their culture.

“With Home Flight, we can provide academic and social guidance that will compliment tribal educational values,” the university’s assistant vice president Jason Younker said in the release. “We hope that each graduate will consider returning to their home reservations and become future stewards and leaders within their communities.”