The UConn Cultural and Educational Exchange with Indigenous Nations (UCINCEE) is a program for local Native youth that provides them with mentorship from both students and faculty.
About the program
UCINCEE was created as a way for the University of Connecticut (UConn) to better serve and build relations with local tribes by offering a dual mentorship and scholarship program for their youth. Students will receive mentorship from undergraduate students while also being awarded a scholarship that will fund a project of their choosing. Participating students will also be invited to attend cultural and community activities hosted by UConn's Native American Cultural Programs (NACP) office.
Components of UCINCEE:
- Community
Building a strong sense of community is integral to UCINCEE, and one of the ways we achieve this is through both in person and virtual gatherings. Each semester we will convene as a group in-person two times, giving local youth and their families the chance to get to know one another, as well as program affiliated UConn faculty, staff, and students. The meetings will consist of cultural activities, food, and of course, community.
- Mentorship
Undergraduate mentorship is another great benefit UCINCEE offers. Each year a select group of undergraduate mentors are selected and trained to act as guides for youth involved in the program. Mentors will provide academic advice for youth and guide them through the process of proposing, outlining, and completing a project of the youth's choosing.
- Support
Our mentors are there to help the youth navigate anything they need assistance with. In the Spring semester, mentors will regularly be available to meet with the youth, whether it's help with a school project or to offer guidance on the college application process. Students, faculty, and staff involved in the Native American Cultural Programs (NACP) and the Native American and Indigenous Students Association (NAISA) at UConn will also be heavily involved in UCINCEE by assisting with programming and providing an additional layer of support, inclusion, and community for the youth.
Application
Apply now for your chance to be a part of the UCINCEE 2022-2023 cohort! Applications are due by January 19th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
Please contact samantha.gove@uconn.edu with any additional questions.