“It’s a perfect synergy,” says Darkfeather Arncheta of 1st Tribal Lending’s support of the College Fund.

Home ownership and education are considered to be both an investment and part of the American dream. But these paths to a strong future have not always been accessible to American Indian people.

Home ownership has been problematic because not all lenders can provide loans for people living on reservations or federal trust lands. As for higher education, federal government statistics show that only 13.8% of American Indians and Alaska Natives age 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with nearly 30% for all other groups. Affordability is a major reason for this disparity.

But now, thanks to 1^st Tribal Lending, an administrator of a federal program called the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, American Indian and Alaska Native families, tribes, Alaska villages, or tribally designated housing entities can access financing for properties both on and off Native lands. The program was enacted by the Office of Loan Guarantee within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Native American Programs, which guarantees the Section 184 home mortgage loans made to Native borrowers. Financing is available for new construction, rehabilitation, purchase of an existing home, or refinancing. This program makes it possible for lenders to serve Native communities both on and off the reservation, helping to increase the marketability and value of Native assets and to financially strengthen Native communities.

1^st Tribal Lending has supported the American Indian College Fund for more three years, giving a percentage of its closing costs to the organization. This year they announced they are renewing their commitment to Native higher education with a gift of $66,000. “It’s a perfect match,” says Darkfeather Ancheta of 1^st Tribal Lending. “We are a Native organization that helps Native people get into their homes, and if we can help the American Indian College Fund help Native people get an education, this also helps with economic development—it’s a perfect synergy.”

Robin Máxkii, a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee nation who graduated from Salish Kootenai College with a degree in psychology and is planning to earn her master’s degree in the fall, is one of many Native students 1^st Tribal Lending has helped to support through the College Fund. Thanks to scholarship support, in addition to attending college, Máxkii has been able to enjoy college-related activities such as internships with the National Science Foundation. She has also had an invitation to the White House, MIT, and Google.

 “Thanks to 1^st Tribal Lending and the American Indian College Fund’s generous support, I am the first in my family to attend college,” says Máxkii. “Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but it has also helped me realize the value of a college education. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been and still be able to attend these institutions which wouldn’t be possible without the support of your organization. My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like you. Thank you for enabling this opportunity!”