Perceptions of higher education among Native students and families

It remains important to remove the narrative of a deficit ideology and attend to asset-focused scholarship on Indigenous identities. As such, this study explored how Native students and families in Nevada perceive higher education and the reasons they select or opt out of attending higher education. Using a qualitative methodology with a comparative case study, 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants as pairings, students and their student supporter. Findings indicate that participants held strong, positive values toward higher education, with an opportunity to improve their lives and tribal community. The key themes of Intergenerational Knowledge, Harmony & Balance, and Cultural Revitalization were central to their perceptions. An emphasis on these areas can be used to better support Native students and families with recruitment, retention, and completion in higher education, particularly when examining ways to enhance educator pathways.