Pathways of Strength:

Native Student Career Hub

Honoring Your Story. Building Your Future.

This space was created in partnership with Native students and community voices to celebrate the strengths, values, and knowledge that guide their career journeys. Here, cultural identity is not something to set aside—it is a source of power, purpose, and leadership.

Whether you are exploring new opportunities, preparing for your next step, or planning to bring your education home to serve your community, we honor your background and the unique strengths you bring.

Your path, your values, your future—each belongs here.

Native Voices: Stories of Strength & Purpose

Name

Story

Support & Resources

Support at Pima Community College

Counseling Services: Pima Community College Counselors can assist you with personal counseling concerns as well as connect you with community resources. Referrals can be provided for substance abuse, anger management, relationships, and/or sexual abuse or assault.
ARC Resource Center and Food Pantry: Students are eligible to receive one food bag per week. Hygiene products are also available upon request.
Native American Student Association (NASA): Student-led organization building community, belonging, leadership, and cultural celebration at Pima.
PCC Student Life: Offers student clubs, leadership opportunities, and campus engagement for Native students to share culture and build community.
Career Services: You are here! We’re your team for exploring career options, building strong resumes, and connecting with employers who value your skills and goals. Our staff can help you translate your experiences — both academic and cultural — into career strengths. Whether you’re planning your next step or just getting started, we’re here to support your journey. Helpful Resources we offer:
- MyCareerLink - Find job, internships, and apprenticeships. Connect with employers. Stay up-to-date with our opportunities.
- Big Interview - Practice interview questions, record responses, and build confidence for both in-person and online interviews.

Local Tucson & Southern Arizona Indigenous Community Resources

Tucson Indian Center: Social services, workforce development, youth programs, cultural events, and Elder support for urban Native community members.
Phoenix Indian Center: A hub for the advancement of urban American Indian relatives. A ‘gateway’ for those seeking assistance with job readiness and employment services, prevention services, youth programs and language and culture revitalization.
Sewa U’usim - Pascua Yaqui Tribe: Supports holistic wellness grounded in Indigenous values, including cultural teachings, healing practices, and community programs.
Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC): Dual enrollment, culturally grounded education, and transfer pathways.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Education Department: Scholarships, tutoring, workforce development, language & cultural programs, and college/career support for Yaqui students.

Scholarships & Education Funding

American Indian College Fund: Scholarships, cultural support, and career development opportunities.
PCC Scholarship Universe: Complete your Scholarship Universe profile in order to be matched with scholarships you qualify for to reduce the amount of time you spend researching scholarships.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Scholarship Higher Education Assistance Program (HEAP): Financial support for enrolled tribal members who are degree-seeking (associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate) at a fundable institution. Students must apply each semester.
Tohono O’odham Nation Education Assistance Program (EAP): Financial support for enrolled members of the Nation who are pursuing an academic degree or certificate (duration of at least one year). Assistance can be provided for tuition/registration, books, transportation, technology support and a living stipend, if eligible. A financial needs analysis (FNA) is used to determine funding eligibility.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Workforce Development Program (WIOA): Youth and adult training and employment services.
Tohono O’odham One Stop: This organization offers employment and education support to both youth and adults. Tuition and short-term housing assistance are available for eligible programs. Additionally, clients receive free support in resume writing, job search assistance, basic computer classes, mock interviews, and driver's license preparation. Youth services (14-24) include internships, summer employment, college readiness, and attainment of employability/life skills. Adult Basic Education and GED services are also provided.
Native Forward Scholars Fund: Scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship Program: Provides tuition, scholarships, and financial support for Native students pursuing health careers. May include paid service commitments and job placement opportunities after graduation.

Career Development & Readiness

AIHEC Career Pathways: Internships, leadership programs, and a national network for Indigenous students, especially Tribal College students.
Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA): Paid internships, leadership summits, and programs connecting students with careers in government, finance, law, and economic development.
Native American Journalists Association (NAJA): Internships and career pathways for students interested in media, journalism, storytelling, and communications.
Native Health Internships & Fellowships:
- National Council of Urban Indian Health - NCUIH offers internships and fellowships in policy and law. These include Public Policy Internships, Law and Policy Fellowships, and Technical Assistance and Research Center (TARC) Internships. The opportunities focus on policy, advocacy, research, public health, and health promotion. Interns and fellows engage in activities like research, analysis, drafting policy comments, attending meetings, and preparing policy reports. These positions may offer flexibility for students and are open to those currently enrolled in college or university.
- Indian Health Service - Indian Health Service (IHS) Pathways Internship Program: The Pathways Internship Program by IHS provides hands-on experience for students at various educational levels, from high school to graduate studies. Interns can work in fields such as policy, health administration, human resources, and finance. The program requires completing 640 hours of work experience and is geared towards preparing students for a permanent job in the civil service. The program is open to a wide range of educational institutions and requires a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Urban Indian Health Institute - Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) Summer Internship Program: UIHI offers a summer internship program for full-time fellows, public health interns, and youth interns. These opportunities are designed for students to explore public health careers through various projects. Interns receive mentorship and visit partnering organizations to build professional networks. The program includes options for youth interns (recent high school graduates), public health interns (undergraduate students), and fellows (graduate students and postgraduate scholars). The internships are paid, on-site in Seattle, WA, and do not include housing. The program emphasizes Indigenous-centered learning and professional development in public health fields.
- National Congress of American Indians - National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Internships and Fellowships: Offers internships and fellowships in legislative action and policy development.
- Northwest Native American Center of Excellence - Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACOE): Offers a 10-month health education pathway for AI/AN students with a baccalaureate degree who are pursuing a medical degree.
- Frontline Indigenous Partnership - Frontline Indigenous Partnership: This program offers currently enrolled Native college students seeking a medical degree. Opportunities include professional development and mentorship from top physicians of different medical specialties.