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Stanford Campus Visit
The Stanford University Campus Visit on Monday, May 4th is an experience designed specifically for Native high school students. The visit provides students with the opportunity to explore the Stanford campus, connect with other Native youth, and learn directly from current Stanford students and industry leaders.
Participants will gain insight into college life, academic pathways, and career possibilities while building confidence and community along the way.
Space is limited, and applications are now open — we encourage interested students to apply and take an important step toward their college journey.
Pathways: College Readiness & Career Exploration for Native Youth
We’re bridging the gap to higher education through mentorship, exposure, and community support.
Native youth face systemic barriers in education, from underrepresentation in schools to limited access to college resources.
At the Lindy Waters III Foundation, we believe that every Native student deserves the opportunity to thrive in higher education and beyond. This is something Lindy himself and our team cares deeply about.
Funded by a Dreamstarter Grant from Running Strong of American Indian Youth, this program was developed by Nizhóní Begay, a Stanford graduate and the Lindy Waters III Foundation Event & Grant Manager. As the only Native student at her high school, Nizhóní experienced firsthand how isolating and discouraging it can feel to navigate college systems without support. Today, she is building the program she once needed. Through this program, the Lindy Waters III Foundation supports Native students with free one-on-one mentorship, virtual workshops, campus visits, and year-round resources to help them navigate their journey to and through college. Whether it’s essay help, scholarship tips, or just someone to talk things through, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
With the continued support of the Dreamstarter Grant from Running Strong for American Indian Youth, we’re breaking down systemic barriers to higher education through mentorship and year-round resources for Native students. Thanks to their support, we are expanding our work by helping Native youth prepare for and thrive in higher education. We couldn’t do this without the belief and investment of Running Strong, whose commitment to Indigenous dreams is paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
“Some days, it feels like I’m waving my arms up and down, jumping and screaming into a world that still doesn’t know we exist—but we do exist. Our existence in as many spaces as possible is imperative to inspiring our youth and our shared successes.” – Nizhóní Begay
Why Pathways?
Native students are twice as likely to drop out of high school and make up just 1% of college enrollment.
Representation, mentorship, and exposure can change those outcomes.
The program is a collaboration between the Lindy Waters III Foundation, Mentor Grace Perez (Nooksack/Mexican) who works at Google, and Dreamstarter grantees Nizhóní Begay and Loren Waters (Executive Director, LWIII Foundation).
We are building a network of empowered Native leaders who are not only navigating higher education—but reshaping it.
Meet the College Prep Cohort:
READY TO JOIN?
Take the next step toward your future.
USC Campus Visit
On February 13th, our College Prep Cohort visited the University of Southern California campus, connected with other Native youth, and heard directly from current USC students and industry leaders.
Participants gained insight into college life, academic pathways, and career possibilities while building confidence and community along the way.
OSU Campus Visit
On November 16th, 2025 our College Prep Cohort explored the Oklahoma State University campus, discovered more about the program, and celebrated Native culture at the N7 Men’s Basketball Game! Check out the photos from this exciting day and be sure to join our College Prep Program to stay connected with all upcoming opportunities and more!
