SAN MARCOS, CA (February 6, 2025) – Palomar College has been selected as one of 20 California Community Colleges to receive the Native American Student Support and Success Program Grant (NASSSP) by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The $1.5 million dollar grant will be issued in five $300,000 annual increments to the College.
The grant will fund a pilot program designed to strengthen K-12 pathways to and through the Community College system. Specifically, the program will ensure educational success, develop leaders, and increase the number of mentors to empower future generations of students that identify as American Indian and Alaskan Native.
Since the initial grant announcement in 2023, Palomar has been developing the Native Student Support Program for Inclusion, Resilience and Education (NSPIRE) program. The program is centered on fostering a community where Native students can connect and support one another. Specifically, the program provides comprehensive support services such as academic counseling, textbook vouchers, supplies, transportation assistance, and resources to address the basic needs of students. In addition, students will benefit from collaborative partnerships with 4-year universities to better enable them to transfer should they desire a bachelor’s degree. NSPIRE will be housed at the Native American Resource Center at the Palomar College main campus in San Marcos.
“The NSPIRE program is dedicated to supporting our Native American (American Indian/Alaskan Native) students by providing a supportive space that honors their lived experiences. We are committed to fostering an environment where tribal traditions, values, practices, and sovereignty are respected and integrated, while also ensuring success within mainstream educational pathways,” said Dr. Leslie Salas, Palomar College Dean of Student Success, Equity and Counseling Services. “These supportive actions will guide our Native students in developing their paths for their academic and personal goals,” she added.
For more information about the NSPIRE program please visit https://www.palomar.edu/nasssp/.
