American Indian Student Study

AIP Study Information

The American Indian Student (AIS) Survey is a research study that was initiated and sponsored by the Scottsdale Community College (SCC) American Indian Program (AIP), the Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC) Strategic Planning Committee, and other campus leaders and administrators. The purpose of this research study is to explore American Indian students' perceptions, experiences, and educational outcomes at SCC. The goal is to better understand how SCC is both supporting and not supporting our American Indian students. The major themes explored are a sense of belonging and connection to SCC and how that sense of belonging influences their educational experience. The PowerPoint presentation below provides additional background information, study methodologies, and a summary of findings thus far. Click on the slide to view the presentation:

American Indian Student Study slide cover

In Fall of 2019, our office held two planning sessions with SCC and MCCCD employees, SCC students, the American Indian tribe and nation members, and members from the surrounding communities. During this session, we presented the information in the above PowerPoint and asked participants to provide recommendations for resolving the issues raised by students in the study. We also provided an online feedback form with the same questions for additional participation beyond the sessions. From the AIS focus groups and survey as well as the voices of those participating in campus sessions and the feedback form came an in-depth set of recommendations for SCC on how to better serve our AIS. View the summary Summary of Participant Recommendations (PDF).

ICC Strategic Plan

Once the full strategic plan for the Indigenous Cultural Center is finalized, we will make that available on this page.

If you have any comments regarding the information presented at the ICC Strategic Planning Session including the AIS Study PowerPoint or Participant Recommendations and/or have questions about the study, please contact Laurie Cohen and Crystal Morehouse at research@scottsdalecc.edu.