11th Annual Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative will be held in Washington D.C., June 21st-29th, 2008

Patty Iron Cloud Program Information
Through its cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health, 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 Association of American Indian Physicians will select 60 AI/AN high students and 12 counselors to attend the Patty Iron Cloud NNAYI Program held each summer in Washington DC.

During this weeklong program, participating students receive:

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

NNAYI Program addresses five goals:

• To increase the number of AI/AN students entering health professions and biomedical research in efforts to eliminate health disparities;
• To increase coordination with organizations involved in recruiting AI/AN students into health professions, including colleges and universities, Indian Health Service and other federal agencies;
• To increase the awareness of Indian health issues among AI/AN students;
• To increase awareness of the personal and academic skills required for admission to colleges/universities; and
• To increase student access to AI/AN role models in health careers through mentoring activities during NNAAYI.