The AIR Program was created for the youth in our community to succeed in academics and in life. To do this we bring in our cultural and community values, our understanding of our past, and our optimism for our youth's future to this program. We firmly believe in our community and the youth, that will someday, lead us, to greater achievements that we have never imagined. It is our program aspiration to ignite that spark that will lead each of our Native Youth to a greater future. Thank you for considering our program.
AIR Program Projects
Our AIR Program projects are currently AIR Sr. and AIR Jr. Both programs deal similarly with our student participants.
- We bring students onto the university campus to acclimate the students to the atmosphere. We have found that one of the greatest fears of higher education is the campus and social atmosphere that exits there. To overcome this we bring the students onto campus to give them the feel of the campus and to show them, that students attending the university, are no different than themselves. Using this approach we have noticed a greater confidence in the student participants when discussing higher education and motivation in attending.
- We mentor the students with existing college students and alumni. Who better to explain college than those who have been there or are currently attending. We also believe in diversity and encourage both American Indian and Non-Native students to mentor. This in turn helps to prepare the student participant for the future as American Indians represent less than 1% of the student population at most universities and colleges.
- We also use a topical approach within our schedule, where we use a Native specific topic to have the student participant research while in the program. This allows us to demonstrate research methodology where our mentors guides them through this. In turn, the student becomes familiar with the university research facility (the library), and is able to visit some of the departments that touch these varying topics.
- We offer time to tutor the student, should they have any questions. All student mentors have gone through the rigors of qualifying to enter each university they represent and therefore have greater qualifications than most when it comes to tutoring. Congratulations on making it into college/
- Finally, this is an after-school program designed so that we can have fun through socialization with each other and our mentors, and the program activities we do.
Rules and Guidelines - AIR Summer Program 2012
The AIR Summer Programs policy governing student behavior is based on two principles – respect and safety. AIR expects mutual respect, civility, as well as orderly and safe conduct among all individuals within our Summer Program or at summer event. In order to ensure a proper activity environment, AIR requires students to respect themselves and the rights of all other chaperons and students, to exhibit self-control, and to show courtesies to all the students within the summer program. Disciplinary actions may be taken against any student guilty of gross disobedience or not abiding by the following Summer Program rules.
Parents
- Parents/Guardians will be held legally responsible and agree to release the AIR organization, the Board Members and staff for their children’s injury during Summer Program period. All activities, generally, do not exhibit any danger or harm towards any person unless any person acts without regards to any guidelines of the event or rules of safety, therefore if any child is in direct violation of our designated rules and guidelines (implemented for their safety)and we have taken reasonable steps towards the safety of the child we hold we are not accountable for their actions.
- Parents/Guardians will be held accountable for fees, costs or damages associated with their children’s actions while on Summer Program properties should the child be in direct violation of rules and guidelines. Should property damage occur as a result of the child’s act that is without regard to AIR Program Policies he/she will be held accountable for such damage. Generally, we ask that no property damage occur while on the university campuses or property in which AIR Program has schedule to visit or is in the process of visiting (transports).
- Parents have the rights to apply to be a Summer Program chaperon and volunteer within the AIR Summer Program. We encourage parents to volunteer and participate within our program as Chaperons. Such efforts show the support for their child’s studies/academics/and in their lives.
- Parents should go over rules and guidelines with their children prior to the start of the program.
Students
- Respect your chaperon, group members, team members and all students from all Tribal nations and urban environments.
- No verbal or physical fighting during Summer Program period.
- No weapons, controlled substances or hazardous materials are permitted within the summer program.
- Always report to chaperon/Coordinator/staff and obtain approval prior to leaving Summer Program for other activities not within the defined schedule or to leave early.
- No inappropriate or disruptive behaviors that interfere with activities and events at the AIR Summer Program.
- Follow the directives from Summer Program staff members and/or rules and regulations as they are generally stated for the safety and substantive instruction for those within the program.
- Always follow chaperon’s instruction.
- No destruction of property of personal nature or campus or visited sites or vehicles is permitted.
- Report to chaperons immediately if any injury or property damage occurs.
- Additional rules may be added to this documentation based upon change in schedule and environment that we may visit.
General Guidelines During Fall and Spring: For our students who are participating or wanting to participate in our program, here are a handfull of rules that should be followed:
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Listen to others and participate in group discussion
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Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself
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No swearing or crude comments
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No eating while there is a lecture, presentation, or group activity going on
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Be respectful of other people's beliefs and values. We are all different and that is the beauty of meeting people of all backgrounds. You may hear something that you may not agree with but instead of attacking the person verbally, just listen and try to appreciate a different view.
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Do not disrupt other student's learning
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No vandalism. The University is welcoming you to their campus. Please show respect and do not destroy the property
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The most important rule of all: HAVE FUN! We want you to enjoy yourself while you are learning and making new friends.
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