CLAW

MIGIZI’s Culture, Leadership, Academics,
Well-Being (CLAW) Program

The CLAW program builds a powerful bridge between education and cultural heritage, supporting Native youth to build a strong sense of cultural identity as they work toward high school graduation and postsecondary education.

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For generations, Native youth have been underserved by the U.S. education system. But at MIGIZI, we know that when Native youth are connected to their culture, surrounded by mentors who reflect their identities, and provided with the support and resources they need, they thrive academically, graduate at higher rates, and become strong leaders in their communities.

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Our CLAW program includes:

• In-School Academic Support at our pathways schools, South High School (Minneapolis) and Harding High School (St. Paul). In these sites, academic support helps students stay on track and prepare for graduation.

• Facilitated Cultural Groups at suburban partner schools, including Farmington, Wayzata, Westonka, White Bear Lake, and Fridley Public Schools. Cultural groups offer a space for Native youth to connect with their heritage and explore their identity in schools where such opportunities are often lacking.

• CLAW After-School Program: Mondays–Thursdays, 3:30–6:00pm. Afterschool, our youth have a safe space to share a meal, engage with their culture, receive homework help, participate in college tours, and explore their own leadership development in our Native Youth Leadership Network.

• CLAW Summer Water Sovereignty Program. Our summer program focuses on environmental justice, wellness, and outdoor learning, culminating in a transformative water sovereignty experience in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.