For these siblings, UW’s new tribal initiative is a financial boost, hopeful sign

Two young men walk side by side, wearing informal clothes and talking. One carries a skateboard.In middle school, people often mistook Gavin and Mason White Eagle for twins — teachers sometimes had a hard time telling them apart.

These days, it’s a little easier. Mason, younger by 14 months, outgrew his brother in high school and is now a couple inches taller. In other ways, though, they are still very much alike. Both attend UW–Madison, and they share an off-campus apartment. They often can be found together — playing pick-up basketball at the Nick or attending events at the Indigenous Student Center on campus.

They also are both beneficiaries of UW–Madison’s new Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program. The initiative, which Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin announced in December 2023, offers financial support to cover the full cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree for state residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.

The commitment covers not only tuition and fees but also housing, meals, books and other educational expenses. It was offered to current students as well as incoming freshmen and transfer students. In this inaugural year, the White Eagle brothers are two of 73 undergraduates who are part of the program.

Read the full article online – https://news.wisc.edu/for-these-siblings-uws-new-tribal-initiative-is-a-financial-boost-hopeful-sign/