AISP group hike
AISP students hiking to Inspiration Point in Santa Barbara
AISP students at desk in class
AISP students learn about Chumash artifacts at UCSB
UCSB Doctoral student leading a seminar on Archaeology
UCSB Doctoral student leading a seminar on Archaeology

American Indian Scholars Program

At the end of my sophomore year I realized that I wanted to be the first person from my family to graduate directly from a four-year university… AISP came along and helped me set and meet my goals. My mentors helped me research universities, apply to summer programs and identify financial aid opportunities.
Shay Calderon, AISP Scholar 2010-2012

The American Indian Scholars Program (AISP) is a K-12Kindergarten-Grade 12 academic preparation program that promotes academic success and college going among primarily American Indian students and families residing in Santa Barbara County. University staff and college mentors work one-on-one with AISP students to develop individualized academic success strategies, meet with parents and share information to empower families to plan for and support their student’s educational goals.

Partnering Schools

Dos Pueblos High School
Refugio High School
Santa Barbara High School
Santa Ynez Elementary School
Santa Ynez High School

Other Program Partners

Allan Hancock Community College, Santa Barbara City College, UC American Indian Counselors & Recruiters Association, American Indian Health & Services, Chumash Maritime Association, Los Padres National Forest, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Santa Barbara Foundation, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA-(Santa Ynez) and - University of California, Santa Barbara-Admissions, EAOP, EOP – American Indian Cultural Resource Center, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education (GGSE) , Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA), Marine Science Institute (MSI), UCSB REEF, and Sedgwick Reserve.

Activities

  • Tutorial Services – UCSB undergraduate mentors provide ongoing tutoring, academic advice and exam preparation support to AISP participants.
  • College Visits – AISP participants are invited to visit regional college campuses.
  • Guest Speakers – An array of people, UCSB outreach and admissions officers, faculty and students, authors, entrepreneurs, and others interact with AISP participants and serve as role models.
  • Mentorship - UCSB undergraduate mentors present workshops and produce lesson plans to impart valuable skills and information.
  • Field Trips – Staff and undergraduate student mentors accompany AISP participants on visits to UCSB reserves and other sites.
  • Recognition Events – Student achievement is celebrated via a group trip and formal graduation ceremony for seniors.
  • Cultural Education – Lessons from American Indian leaders, elders and experts build greater awareness of local, regional and national history.
  • ANCHOR – Monthly educational events focused on culture and education, both on the UCSB campus and in the community. Each event features a different UCSB resource, department, staff, student or faculty member and presents them with an opportunity to share information in a fun, hands-on way.

UCSB Recognition - AISP Diversity Award

 

Program Contact

Luther Richmond
Program Coordinator
Luther.Richmond@oep.ucsb.edu
Phone (805) 893-5305 Fax (805) 893-3871

Eligibility

For more information, please contact the AISP Coordinator