Scholarship encourages Native American students to pursue health careers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Tuba City High School student was part of 60 teens nationwide to participate in the 12th Annual Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative (NNAYI) program.

Anisia Sieweyumptewa, 17, a student at Tuba City High School, attended the nine-day program this summer. The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) sponsors the program to educate and encourage more Native American students into health professions.

"We expose the students to a variety of health careers. The summer program allows them to visit national health organizations and academic institutions," explained Lucinda Myers, Health Careers Student Programs director.

The students were taken on field trips that included tours of the National Institutes of Health, Office of Minority Health, and George Washington University School of Medicine.

Students attended a series of lectures and interactive workshops that featured guest speakers, a combination of physicians, researchers, and educators in the field of medicine.

"It's important for the students to hear from these health care professionals. They are successful Native Americans who serve as role models and mentors. They inspire our students to continue their educations and set high goals," Myers said.

NNAYI was created in 1998 to increase the number of American Indian/Alaska Native students entering health professions and biomedical research. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for admission to college and professional schools. Students also receive information regarding financial aid, counseling, and other college-related assistance.

Sieweyumptewa is the child of Julianna Benally and Herny Sieweyumptewa. She is a member of the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Tribes.

Over the past decade, more than 600 students have received scholarships to attend the NNAYI program. To be selected for the NNAYI summer program, students must be age 16-18 and express interest in healthcare or biomedical research. Applications will be available this fall for the 2010 Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative program.

For more information, please visit www.aaip.org/?page=NNAYI or call the AAIP Student Programs at 1-800-943-4299.