NATIVE Pipeline Program Turns 10, Supports Student Success
For the past decade, Cal Poly Pomona’s Natives Aiming to Inspire Values in Education (NATIVE) Pipeline Program has introduced Native American students to college life and enabled them to explore their academic potential.
The free, weeklong residential program, which will take place from July 12 to 17, will host students ages 14 to 21 from anywhere in the U.S. but primarily from Southern California. It is the first program of its kind in the California State University system and the only one in the San Gabriel Valley.
Although there are more than 100 Native American tribes in California, Native Americans represent less than 1% of undergraduate students. This is due to several challenges, such as systemic disenfranchisement and barriers, lack of support and economic hardship. The pipeline program encourages young people to explore potential careers and develop leadership skills with the assistance of peer, alumni and faculty mentors, as well as participating in cultural activities on and off campus.
Gabriel Razo (Yaqui and Choctaw), a recent high school graduate, accomplished athlete and featured dancer at the campus powwow, said the program succeeds in accomplishing these goals. He’s excited to participate this summer for the third time.
“As soon as I attended the first time, I was hooked,” he says. “You get to do fun activities on campus, go to cool places and make new friends. Also, they do a good job sneaking in cultural activities like basket weaving, so you have lots of opportunities to learn about other tribes as well as your own.”
In the fall, he plans to attend a local community college in hopes of transferring to CPP and becoming a Bronco.
“I didn’t know CPP was an option for me until I attended the pipeline program,” Razo said.
The program puts students on the path to success in higher education, said Sandy Kewanhaptewa-Dixon (Hopi), who serves as professor of ethnic and women’s studies, tribal liaison and program director.
“Eighty percent of students who go through the pipeline program graduate from college,” she said. “It’s a tight-knit community that we’ve built throughout the years. The encouragement and network really make a difference for students.”
Many former participants come back as mentors, keeping in touch with students after the program and offering assistance with college applications.
Beyond mentorship, the program gives students opportunities to experience hands-on learning across campus. In past years, students have learned about bees at the Lyle Center for Sustainability and Regenerative Studies, and met with bat researchers and engineering students in the WiSE program. This year, there are several hands-on learning experiences and networking opportunities planned.
Nellirose Herrera (’25, sociology) is looking forward to coming back as a volunteer mentor for the NATIVE Pipeline program for the chance to support young people and to give back to the community that gave so much to her.
“We’re small but mighty,” Herrera (Modoc and Juaneño of the Acjachemen Nation) said about the Native American population at CPP.
During her time as a student, she worked at the Native American Student Center, which allowed ample opportunities for professional development and community building with peers, community members and local tribal members. Now she works as a student success coach and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in political sociology to become a sociology professor.
“I always tell Dr. Dixon that I plan to take her spot one day,” she said with a broad smile.
Programs like the pipeline, events like the powwow and the spaces like the center create a sense of belonging for Native American students and helps them to feel seen, she added.
Elder-in-Residence Kim Marcus (’82, accounting) describes it as a “great joy” to lead cultural workshops with students.
“My wife and I didn’t have many examples of people who went to college or the resources that students have today,” said Marcus (Serrano and Cahuilla). “The pipeline program not only offers students a pathway to college but helps to build their self-esteem and confidence.”