Academic Readiness Effort

Today, Native students attend schools in the state system. Nearly 19% of tribally affiliated students in California leave high school without graduating, compared to only 13% of the general population. Without culturally appropriate intervention, students of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians are at risk of not fulfilling their academic potential. 

The Academic Readiness Effort is guided by a belief that support at all stages of life is important for long-term academic achievement. This life-cycle engagement begins with outreach to Chumash toddlers and continues throughout a student's college application process. Chumash adults are encouraged to go back to school, obtain vocational certification, or pursue professional development opportunities.

Santa Ynez finances the effort through an Education Fund endowment and with federal funding sources. To reduce the economic barriers to education, the program coordinates financial aid for Chumash families including to attend college and continuing education programs. To reinforce the importance of education, the effort also coordinates incentives for school and degree completion. 97% of students now graduate high school in four years, surpassing the state’s 81% graduation rate.

Today, Santa Ynez college and vocational graduates work for the tribe in diverse capacities. Beyond creating an educated workforce, the tribe’s investment in academics is bringing about a renewed sense of cultural identity. The Academic Readiness Effort emphasizes amuyich, the Chumash concept of generosity by encouraging all students to give back to each other, the tribe, and local communities.