While COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on citizens around the world, New Mexico State University’s Indian Resources Development has found a way to continue its Dream Keepers summer camp. The 2020 program for Native American high school students in New Mexico entering 10th through 12th grades will be a six-week virtual camp.
Indian Resources Development, which is housed in NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, offers Dream Keepers Online free to participants. The summer camp will be June 15 through July 24. Applications will be accepted online through May 25 at https://ird.nmsu.edu/dkc.html.
“Taking Dream Keepers online for this summer means IRD can offer camp participants even more options of people to meet and places to visit in exploring college and careers,” said Monita Chip, Indian Resources Development senior program specialist. “Sure, it’s not the same as an in-person camp, but a virtual summer camp can be a way to learn new things and meet new people, all while social distancing.”
Dream Keepers Online offers students an opportunity to explore college and career opportunities in a variety of fields including agriculture, natural resources, engineering and business through virtual field trips, virtual campus visits and interactive online activities. Industry professionals, educators and tribal leaders from across New Mexico will present online sessions. Additionally, participants will have the chance to connect with other Native American youth, meet Native American college students and reflect on their own skills, interests and goals to help make a plan toward higher education goals.
Dream Keepers Online will consist of a one-hour session between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Current schedule for the program includes two education sessions, a personal development session, a small group session and a social hour per week.
To learn more about Dream Keepers Online visit https://ird.nmsu.edu/dkc.html.