The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is proud to continue its commitment to tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) with its partnership with White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) in Mahnomen, Minnesota, and Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) in Cass, Minnesota. These partnerships will serve as a critical way to champion and support Indigenous higher education and are emblematic of SFI and its long-standing commitment to investing in underserved communities through the lens of education.

“It is an honor to join forces with both White Earth Tribal and Community College and Leech Lake Tribal College as we expand our services to support more students at tribal colleges and universities. The growth of our partnership with TCUs is an expansion of SFI’s commitment to prepare students for in demand careers in critical industries. We look forward to our work together,” said SFI board chair Robert F. Smith.

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards empowering our students with the financial support and resources they need to succeed. By working together, we are not only investing in the future of our students but also in the future of our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our students’ educational journeys and beyond,” said WETCC president Anna Sheppard.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Student Freedom Initiative to create greater opportunities for our students and communities. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a quality higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values and our purpose to empower and uplift our learners, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed. Together we are building a stronger foundation for our students and the generations to come,” said LLTC president Dr. Helen Montgomery.

“SFI’s goal is to build a future filled with prosperity for all students. This partnership with WETCC and Leech Lake Tribal College marks significant progress towards helping these students achieve financial freedom,” said Keith Shoates, SFI president and CEO.

WETCC and LLTC are the fourth and fifth TCUs, respectively, to enter into partnership with SFI. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University in Hayward, Wisconsin, entered into a partnership with SFI in August 2023. SFI also welcomed Iḷisaġvik College in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, and Red Lake Nation College in Red Lake, Minnesota, in 2024.

With these new additions, nearly 70 minority-serving institutions and TCUs are benefitting from one or more components of SFI’s programming across 22 states and U.S. territories, benefiting over 200,000 students.