Alliance gives educational opportunities to Native American students
Editorial Board
Argus Leader
Almost 27 years to the day after Korczak Ziolkowski’s death, another layer of his plan for the Crazy Horse Memorial is unfolding.
The site of his monumental sculpture is becoming a satellite educational affiliate of the University of South Dakota.
It’s practically a perfect match of mission and location.
The program will start next summer, if possible, with college prep classes and freshman-level college courses, including English, math and Native American cultural classes.
An important goal of the affiliate will be to boost educational odds for Native American students.
While college participation has been improving steadily for the past three decades, according to the Department of Education, Indian enrollment still is the lowest of any demographic group, and degree completion is about half that of the national average.
The combination of college-prep and freshman classes, with a potential to earn up to 12 college credits, will give students a leg up on both enrolling in and completing college.
All of this pleases Ruth Ziolkowski, Korczak’s widow and the president and CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial, because education was part of the couple’s vision for the monument from the beginning.
USD will benefit, too. What better place to teach Native American studies than at a site dedicated to remembering tribal history in the heart of the Black Hills, sacred to many tribal traditions?
Thanks to gifts from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford and Donna and Paul Christen of Huron, this program is a boon both for the memorial and USD – but above all, for Native American students’ potential success.
Additional Facts
THE FACTS
* The University of South Dakota is opening a satellite educational affiliate at Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills.
* Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford donated $2.5 million to build the complex. Interest from a $5 million endowment from Donna and Paul Christen of Huron will provide for operating costs.
* Enrollees, mainly Native American students, will be able to earn six to 12 college credits.