Skip to main content Skip to footer
Get Started
Tribal Indian Man dancing in cultural garments.
NASSSP
Tribal Indian Man dancing in cultural garments.
NASSSP
Home > Student Services > Native American Student Support and Success Program

NASSSP

Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP)

Honoring Identity. Empowering Success. Building Community.

and

Native American and Indigenous Alliance (NAIA)

Empowering Pathways for Native Student Success

graphic - Tribal ethnic arrow dividers.The Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) is dedicated to uplifting Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous-identifying students by providing a culturally affirming space, personalized academic support, and meaningful opportunities for connection. 

 

The Native American and Indigenous Alliance (NAIA) program supports Native American student achievement through intentional outreach, culturally grounded services, and holistic programming that strengthens educational access and equity.

The Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) Grant is a state funded grant program under the California Community College Chancellor's Office. Assembly Bill 79520
The purpose of the grant:
  • Strengthen K-12 pathways to and through the California Community College System for Native American Students, including student transfer to the University of California and California University Systems. 
  • To ensure the educational success of Native American Leaders.
  • To develop Native American Leaders.
  • To increase the number of Native American mentors to empower future generations.

We proudly serve the Native & Indigenous communities while you take your first steps to further your educational career goals. Our mission is to strengthen pathways through the California
Community College (CCC) system for Native American Students while ensuring their academic success.

NASSSP Grant at College of the Canyons:
We shall achieve these goals by providing cultural activities, resources, and staff support. We hope that all students who come through the NASSSP grant will become future leaders and increase the number of mentors for future generations.

Who Can Join?

NASSSP welcomes:

Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous‑identifying students
and
Allies who seek to learn and support Indigenous communities

Services Include: 
1-1 Services 
Individualized Counseling
Student Empowerment
Leadership Development
Bookstore Incentive
Subsidy Cards 
Emergency Grant
Cultural Workshops



NASSSP_Rounddance

graphic - Tribal ethnic arrow dividers

 

Yes! I would like to support the
Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) Native Pathways

Donate to NASSSP NASSSP Donation QRcode

 

  

 

 

Intercultural Center

Valencia Campus
- Lower Level of Bonelli Hall
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm 
Canyon Country Campus
- By Appointment Only 

Contact Us:

Brandon Silva | NASSSP Manager
Sam Sierra | College Assistant
Jacob McMurdy | College Assistant
Ashlee Martinez | College Assistant
General Inquiries contact:
NASSSP@canyons.edu
 
  1. What is the difference between NASSSP and NAIA?
  2. NASSSP is the state funded program to support the educational success of American Indian and Native American students. NAIA is the Native American Indigenous Alliance which is open to all students who would like to promote and /or learn about Native American culture.
  3. Can anyone be in NAIA?
  4. Yes! NAIA is open to everyone!
  5. What do I have to do to be a part of the NASSSP Program?
  6. Students who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, state recognized American Indian tribe, or students who have a Native American ethnic affiliation and/or ancestry and have self identified when they enrolled. Students can also self-enroll in the program that meet this criteria.
  7. What is required of me to be in NASSSP?
  8. American Indian and Native American identity, and to receive stipends just check in with your NASSSP advisor. To receive a graduation sash, attend one of our NASSSP cultural events and take a cr/nc personal development class!
  9. Do I need to be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe to be in NASSSP?
  10. No.
  11. What are the benefits of NASSSP?
  12. Free school supplies, textbook stipends, subsidy cards, participation in Pow Wow's, meeting with tribal elders, craft and talking circles, free health supplies and internships and career opportunities!
  13. How can I support NASSSP?
  14. As an ally you can support NASSSP through volunteering, providing needed supplies, and monetary donations. You can also offer teaching and learning opportunities such as guided field trips, career opportunities, Internships and more

Resources to help guide you on your educational journey:

  • American Indian & Native American resource guide for education
  • American Indian & Native American community resources
  • Mentorship
  • Financial Aid information
  • Native American Indigenous Alliance campus events and opportunities
  • Campus community cultural events and support


Benefits as an enrolled Native Pathways - NASSSP Student:

  • Native American / American Indian students: Click here to self-enroll in the NASSSP Native Pathways Program.
  • $100 Book and Supply voucher
  • Community support, mentorship and fellowship
  • Cultural support and opportunities
  • Cultural supplies and resources
  • Educational supplies and resources
  • Employment assistance and mentorship through affiliated partners
  • Native Pathways stole at graduation

 

 

The California Community Colleges (CCC) established the "Native American Student Support and Success Program" (NASSSP) to:

  • (1) strengthen K-12 pathways to and through the CCC system for Native American students;
  • (2) ensure the educational success of Native American students;
  • (3) develop Native American leaders; and
  • (4) increase the number of Native American mentors to empower future generation
  • The Native American Student Success and Support Program (NASSSP) was established as part of Assembly Bill 183. Assembly Bill 183 appropriates $30 million in one-time funding to the California Community Colleges (CCC) to establish the "Native American Student Support and Success Program" (NASSSP) to: (1) strengthen K-12 pathways to and through the CCC system for Native American students; (2) ensure the educational success of Native American students; (3) develop Native American leaders; and (4) increase the number of Native American mentors to empower future generations. Ed Code79520(a). The Chancellor's Office "may enter into agreements with up to 20 community colleges" for the purpose of developing local NASSSP and "shall prioritize awarding grants to community colleges with the highest number of Native American Students.". Ed Code 79520(c)(1) and 79520(d)(2). This memorandum will provide an update for the design of NASSSP, including the two-step approach the Chancellor's Office takes to determine the final 20 community colleges for this investment. As part of this new law, receiving colleges should also develop a land acknowledgement, and develop other programming in coordination with the local Native American Tribe to assist students in their educational goals.
  • California Law Education Code
  • California Community Colleges | Native American Student Support and Success Program Overview

Visit NAIA InstagramVisit NAIA Instagram