National Native American Youth Initiative
The 21st AAIP National Native American Youth Initiative
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 11, 2025
INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED
The National Native American Youth Initiative (NNAYI) is an intense enrichment program funded by the Association of American Indian Physicians and the Front Line Indigenous Partnership program (FLIP) based at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Department of Emergency Medicine and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative NNAYI is designed to 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. NNAYI’s curriculum is presented in lectures, interactive workshops, and field trips. Students will learn about various health professions, college and medical school admission processes, financial aid resources, and healthcare issues affecting AI/AN communities. Students will also network with AI/AN health professionals and learn about mentoring programs with AAIP member physicians.
ELIGIBILITY
The Association of American Indian Physicians will select AI/AN high school students, ages 16 – 18, to attend the NNAYI program held June 21 – June 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C. AI/AN students planning to enter health careers are eligible to apply. Students are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated interest in health sciences or biomedical research, leadership skills, and personal attributes. The NNAYI scholarship covers airfare, lodging, and most meals. The scholarship is awarded on a one-time basis only.
NOTICE: The NNAYI Program is NOT a summer camp or sightseeing trip. It is an intense program with a rigorous schedule of all-day sessions and activities that may involve a lot of walking.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST – Refer to the checklist below to ensure that no application requirements have been overlooked. An incomplete application may prevent you from being selected as a participant in the program. Students will be notified of the selection results on May 5, 2025.
Primary Data Sheet (included in this packet)
One-Page Personal Statement (double spaced) – Describe your family background, future educational and career plans, volunteer work/experience in health care and research, cultural involvement, and personal attributes. Include how NNAYI will help you accomplish your goals and other relevant information.
Most Recent Academic Transcript – Official transcript preferred
One Recommendation Checklist Form (included in the application packet) – must be completed by the counselor or instructor writing the Letter of Recommendation. Only one recommender will be considered.
One Letter of Recommendation – must be completed by the counselor or instructor and submitted in a sealed envelope with the Recommend Checklist and attached or enclosed with your completed application. Only one recommender will be considered.
Photograph – for identification and publication purposes
Descendancy verification. Acceptable verification or proof may include but is not limited to a certificate degree of Indian blood, tribal enrollment card, or a letter of descent.
Please mail or email your completed application to the following address: AAIP, Attn: NNAYI Program, 1225 Sovereign Row, Suite 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, or via e-mail to mknight@aaip.org.
