The Youth College Pathways Program at Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center
The Sacred Path program offers youth entering college for the first time, transferring from community college to a 4-year, or returning to school crucial support. Through the program, youth will get paired with an Indigenous mentor that is either currently in college or recently graduated.
Mentors will guide students through the college application process and financial aid process. Mentors can also assist with academic skill development, major/career exploration, share their experiences with navigating higher education as an Indigenous student, and give tips on building community at their institution. Stay connected with the community through free workshops and upcoming events.
Eligibility: Youth must self-identify as Indigenous, be ages 12-26, and live in California.
Program Completion Requirements:
- Meet with your mentor 6 times within the year of the program.
- Attend one cultural workshop/event of your choice (this can be a Powwow, a cultural workshop at a local organization, etc)
- Attend at least one college visit (this can be with an organization or on your own time)
- Apply to CC/4-year/trade school
Incentive: Once the student fully completes the program at the end of the year, they will receive an iPad.
Intake Process: Youth can sign up for the 2026 program with this link. Once signed up, youth will receive a direct email/phone call from one of the Elevate Youth team members at Sacred Path. If there are any issues with signing up, youth and/or Cuyamaca staff can reach out to our team directly.
Contacts:
- Lexi Lujan (she/they): ALujan@SacredPath.org
- Dria Yellowhair (she/her): DYellowhair@SacredPath.org