The Network for Development & Growth of Native Solidarity at UW-Madison offers all undergraduate students an opportunity to learn about Indigenous voices and experiences, with a focus on building community and relationships. The community provides support to help students thrive, and a variety of academic, community, and cultural events throughout the year. We offer students a framework to participate in many high-impact programs across campus. Our scholars can graduate with a breadth of valuable experiences preparing them for careers in all fields, with a particular emphasis on developing skills and knowledge to work in high-demand professions within Tribal communities.
The NDGNS UW program has three core components:
- The NDGNS Community in University Housing – highly recommended for first-year students!
- The NATIVE Fellowship – a foundational part of our programming, for second-year students and above.
- Other high-impact programming across campus – we promote ongoing academic, professional, and personal development!
WHAT NDGNS UW SCHOLARS SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
As a first-year student, I felt nervous and disconnected. NDGNS UW helped make the campus feel smaller by connecting me with a network of peers.
It is hard to express how significant the NDGNS UW program was to my academic and personal success. This program’s ability to facilitate community and connection is key to a student’s wellbeing.
I’ve found the program crucial to my personal and professional growth. What sets NDGNS UW apart is its focus on community, connecting me with peers and faculty, which enriched both my academic and personal well-being. Scholars benefit from this powerful program.
As an introvert, finding a supportive community through NDGNS UW has made connecting much easier, giving me a sense of belonging that has strengthened my confidence and comfort on campus. The NATIVE fellowship has allowed me to focus on my studies and well-being. I can now approach graduation with confidence and a balanced educational experience, thanks to the support of NDGNS UW.
Beyond fostering academic success, NDGNS UW builds a resilient community, enabling students to thrive together. The NATIVE Fellowship’s financial support allows students to focus on their studies and fully engage in essential community-building activities.
NDGNS UW introduced me to a valuable support system, offering mentorship, professional development, and networking, while celebrating Indigenous perspectives. The NATIVE Fellowship, in particular, provides crucial financial and academic resources, allowing for students to prioritize their holistic well-being and engage in growth opportunities aligning with Indigenous values.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT NDGNS UW:
I have two children at UW-Madison. With NDGNS UW, my oldest is much more involved now than in his first two years, before the program started. The NDGNS dorm has created a strong community for my younger daughter in her first two years. I see the support and joy that comes to my children, and I cannot speak highly enough about this program. – Parent
NDGNS UW students have transformed into leaders, innovators, and the type of high-character Badgers that reflect the very best that our campus has to offer. They embody the Wisconsin Idea, creating transformational relationships that link our community together across campus and the state. – Campus Partner
The connections NDGNS UW forms for students to each other, to mentors within the university, and to resources for wellbeing and career advancement are incredible, a leading and shining example for other universities. – Community Partner
