In an effort to get American Indians to the next level of education, UNC's American Indian Center is teaming up with the Graduate School.
In a dinner event Thursday evening, members from both groups met to orient themselves with the cause and with each other.
"Right now, we are trying to develop relationships with other departments of the University," said Clara Sue Kidwell, director of the center.
The goal of both the Graduate School and the American Indian Center is to increase the interest of American Indian students in education.
Kidwell said the center will mentor about 20 people interested in higher education to better prepare them for the graduate admissions process.
"If we are going to focus on American Indian issues and American Indian research, we are going to need to cultivate people who are going to benefit American Indian communities in the future," Kidwell said.
Today the American Indian Center will meet at the Graduate Student Center to continue the event, which will include vocal performances by Pembroke's Southern Sun Singers and the Carolina Indian Circle's Unheard Voices.
"Having that relationship with the Carolina Indian Circle is relevant in facilitating information to them," said Brandi Brooks, who works at the American Indian Center and served as president of the Carolina Indian Circle last year.
Speakers will address how to take the Graduate Record Exam, obtain funding opportunities and write a great application for graduate school.
Carolina Indian Circle members use the American Indian Center as a place to study and have discussions.
Brooks said many groups are eager to work with the center, including the Native American Law Student Association, Campus Y and the Carolina Women's Center.
Students can get involved with the American Indian Center through student organizations such as the Carolina Indian Circle or by volunteering at future American Indian Center sponsored events.
"I think that the biggest myth is that American Indian Center is only for American Indians," Brooks said. "The American Indian Center is for everyone."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
