Supporting Native Students through the 2019 Combined Federal Campaign

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is upon us and PWNA is pleased to participate for the ninth consecutive year through our American Indian Education Fund (AIEF) program. The CFC employee-focused program is the largest and most successful workplace charity program in the world. The CFC online giving period is from now through Jan. 12, 2020. And while there are many reasons to pledge your support to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart, we ask that you consider giving to a Native American-serving cause, such as AIEF.

AIEF supports K-12 and higher education for Native students, including students such as Jack, who remembers the challenge of getting basic school supplies, and Josie, who relied on scholarships for college tuition. The AIEF scholarship committee sensed Josie’s determination from the beginning and knew she would one day significantly impact others — and she sure has. Josie now develops teachers through her insights on fostering educational equity for all students.

If you’re in the federal workforce or the military, you have the chance to make a difference, too. Here are 10 timely reasons you should pledge your support to American Indian students:

1. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Native youth have the highest rate of teen suicide in the U.S.
2. CFC’s Education Week is Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, and Teacher’s Day is Oct. 5, and both Native teachers and students need the most basic school supplies for the classrooms.
3. World Obesity Day is Oct. 11 and many Native youth are impacted by obesity and diabetes due to inadequate diets and lack of access to affordable healthy foods.
4. Native American Day is Oct. 14, and more states and schools are now celebrating this occasion instead of Columbus Day.
5. November is American Indian Heritage Month and Native youth are the future of tribes and the solution to the many challenges they face today.
6. Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11 and Native Americans serve the military at the highest rate of any population in the U.S. Not to mention, some of our AIEF scholars are also veterans.
7. Native American Heritage Day is Nov. 29, commemorating nationwide the many contributions Native Americans have made to this country.
8. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month and surely there’s no greater gift than that of school supplies.
9. Giving Tuesday is Dec. 3 and while Americans are largely focused on giving, less than one percent of their donations will benefit Native Americans — the most underserved population in our country.
10. New Year’s Day is Jan. 1 and your resolution could be bringing resources and hope to Native students in 2020.

Be sure to catch our AIEF video under CFC charity code 54766.