About Us
Our History
American Indian Recruitment (AIR) was formed in 1996 out of a general concern among Indigenous students at UCLA that the university was not doing enough to outreach to Native American students. Members of the American Indian Student Association (AISA) initiated AIR with the goal of improving college access for the largest urban American Indian community in the so-called United States. AIR has continued to grow in both size and depth throughout the years, while at the same time establishing itself as the most consistent university outreach program in the Los Angeles area.
AIR is the first student-initiated, student-funded, and student-led outreach program in the nation with the goal of increasing the admission of Native students in higher education and at UCLA. We believe that as much as Native students and our community can benefit from higher education, these institutions also need our leadership and student experiences on campus.
Beyond weekly tutoring, AIR provides academic advising, mentorship, and cultural programming with regard to current and traditional Indigenous needs. We accomplish these goals through three primary components – weekly tutoring, higher education awareness, and community college.
*Image from Week 2, Fall 2023 AISA general body meeting. Timeline created by AISA President.
Services & Community Partners
Weekly Sites
Tutoring and mentorship with K-12 students!
AIR provides weekly tutoring with youth from American Indian Clubhouse and students from Tutčint Youth Empowerment Program + Education and Cultural Learning Department (ECLD) of Pukúu Cultural Community Services. AIR staff serve as mentors and guide youth in their educational journeys. Additionally, AIR collaborates with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at UCLA to empower students to pursue STEM in higher education!
Higher Education Awareness
Admission workshops, campus tours, and more with prospective college students!
AIR hosts students from various high schools and community colleges to share about student-life at UCLA as a Native Bruin. We provide guided tours of the campus and present about the resources offered on campus. In fall 2023, AIR had the opportunity to host students from the Pine Ridge Reservation.
AIR facilitates a fall 2023 college application workshop at Sherman Indian High School, featuring a prospective student presentation by our very own UCLA Undergraduate Admission Bruin Ambassador, Satema!
AIR tables at the 2024 Singing of the Birds cultural event, hosted by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs, to outreach to prospective students, advertise our services, and promote visibility of Natives in higher education. Previously, AIR has tabled at the Los Angeles Pow Wow hosted by United American Indian Involvement as well as tabling at the annual Wildhorse Pow Wow.
Community College
Transfer support with community college students!
AIR facilitates a transfer panel with the Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) at UCLA for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians' Youth Conference. AIR frequently collaborates with the CCCP Native & Pacific Islander team to host tours, provide tailored community college support, and ensure students are prepared for the transfer process.