CLAW
Culture
Leadership
Academic
Well-Being
MIGIZI’s CLAW program integrates cultural practices with academic studies to provide Native
young people with a relatable and engaging time of learning. Students receive personal, one-
on-one academic support in the classroom and in-person or online tutoring four days per week
after-school. They also participate in cultural activities after school and on school release days,
when credit-recovery options are also available. Students may elect to attend similar
programming in the summer. Activities include post-secondary preparations and college tours.
Minneapolis students may also join the Native Youth Council, which MIGIZI runs in partnership
with Minneapolis American Indian Education.
CLAW is offered at the All Nations program at South High School in Minneapolis and Como and
Harding High Schools in St. Paul. These schools have high American Indian student populations.
Most activities take place at MIGIZI; online tutoring is also an option. All programming is free
for students and includes healthy meals as well as Metro Transit tokens or passes for students
who have not been issued a pass through their school district.
We are actively supporting 5 school districts.
Farmington
Wayzata
Hopkins
Minneapolis
Saint Paul
We seek to improve the educational trajectory of Native young people, their understanding
and sense of cultural identity, and to develop community connections across generations. An
American Indian academic support specialist mentors students as they develop an
Individualized Learning Plan, a contract for each academic quarter where students set academic
and well-being goals and agree on strategies to achieve their objectives. Students also meet
with high school counselors to prepare for post-secondary education and visit schools such
Fond du Lac Tribal College, Minnesota State Mankato, Minneapolis College, and St. Paul College.
Tutoring to meet academic goals is provided by graduate students as part of their participation
in the University of Minnesota Summer Institute, as well as other volunteers that range from
former teachers to college students who are interested in helping American Indian students.
Tutoring takes place at school sites, after-school, and virtually. Volunteers are matched with
students based on their areas of expertise.
