The Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative was named in remembrance of Patricia "Patty" Iron Cloud.  Click here to learn more about Patty Iron Cloud

Patty Iron Cloud Program Information
Through its cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health and funding through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative is an intense academic enrichment, and reinforcement, program designed to better prepare American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students to remain in the academic pipeline and pursue a career in the health professions and/or biomedical research.

The NNAYI program addresses four goals:

• To increase awareness of the various health professions and biomedical research options among AI/AN students;
• To increase awareness of the personal and academic skills required for admission to college / universities / health profession schools;
• To increase the awareness of Indian health issues among AI/AN students;
• To increase student access to AI/AN role models in health careers.

Students will receive exposure to:

• A broad perspective on health careers and biomedical research
• An introduction to national health and scientific institutions
• Opportunity to network with AI/AN health professionals and physicians as well as learn about mentoring and shadowing with AAIP members
• Information on the demography of AI/AN populations and health issues affecting AI/AN communities
• Information on current health legislation / policy and educational issues affecting the academic and professional progress of AI/AN communities
• Workshops on:
  • Standardized examinations and coursework
  • Study and test taking skills
  • College application process / financial aid
  • Leadership / Communication Skills

To view a sample agenda click here.