Designed to support the science interest of South Dakota Native American high school students and to attract these students to careers in medicine and other health care professions. The program complements existing efforts by the School of Medicine to develop an education pipeline which begins in high school, extends to the college level, and concludes with application to and matriculation in medical school or other health profession training programs. Students are exposed to Western and Native American philosophies relating to health and wellness. Kellogg Foundation Piya Wiconi Project. A three-year demonstration project to improve nursing education for American Indian students through a community partnership between Oglala Lakota College located in Kyle, South Dakota, and the University of South Dakota.
Stipends are available for American Indian nursing students.
One of the primary goals of this doctoral program is to increase the number of American Indians entering and successfully completing graduate training in clinical psychology. Faculty integrate American Indian mental health issues in their teaching, research, and service activities both on and off campus. The program maintains a library of articles pertaining to American Indian mental health issues. American Psychological Association Minority Fellowships and Indian Health Service Fellowships are coordinated through the program and are available for qualified American Indian students. Provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students of color in psychology to explore issues of race and ethnicity in developing their professional identity.