Welcome to the Native and Indigenous Students Affinity Group!
The resources in this section focus on career development resources for Native and Indigenous Peoples. Fresno State is committed to support student career development by connecting them with opportunities, mentorship, and communities that understand unique Native American experiences.
Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that are dedicated to supporting Native American/Indigenous students:
- Fresno State Cross Cultural and Gender Center (American Indian Programs) – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) at Fresno State aims to create and maintain a campus of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity, where all members of the campus community thrive, free from oppression and discrimination.
- Fresno State Native American Initiative – The Native American Initiative at Fresno State aims to increase the enrollment and graduation of Native American students. The initiative also promotes events that connect Native American students to the campus, offers academic monitoring with an early warning system, and links students with mentors from faculty, staff, and alumni.
- The American Indian Faculty and Staff – The American Indian Faculty and Staff Association at Fresno State is an organization for Indigenous employees at the University.
For many BIPOC students, it may be difficult to speak out, celebrate, or discuss racial/ethnic topics with others. Here are some resources offering a safe space to talk and promoting strength through commemoration:
- Fresno State CCGC American Indian Room – The American Indian Room is an open room decorated with Native American artwork that is advocating for water/ land conservation and broken treaties. There is a collection of books available to check out about or by Native Americans.
- Fresno State Library – The Fresno State Library is a popular destination for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the community. Its design is deeply inspired by Native American culture and natural elements. The five-story Table Mountain Rancheria Tower and Grand Staircase were influenced by Native American basket weaving. The staircase features woven stainless steel mesh to honor Table Mountain’s basket-making tradition. Mosaic artist Erin Adams contributed lighting pieces on the second floor that incorporate the basket weaving theme. The third-floor Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room displays a large glass mural depicting the history of Table Mountain Rancheria. The Leon S. Peters Gallery showcases Native American baskets, sculptures, photography, and artwork. Visitors are encouraged to explore and appreciate these artistic tributes.
- Fresno State Native Plant Garden – The Native Plant Garden is just outside the tower and north of the library’s main entrance. This no-irrigation, organic garden features river sage, redbud trees, deer grass and other critical ingredients in the basket weaving process. Names of the plants and tools are etched into the granite walls in three languages: Mono, Gashow and English.
For students gaining relevant experience in your chosen field can be difficult. However, there are ways in which you can develop the skills necessary to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive member of the workforce:
- Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success!
- Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program !
- The Career Development Center oversees the Community Service Scholarship Program (CSSP), where eligible students can earn a $645, $1,290 or $1,935 scholarship depending on their circumstances. Contact the Career Development Center by phone at 559.278.2381 or by email at careers@csufresno.edu for more information.
***NOTE: Be mindful about internship requirements. Many internships require authorization to work in the US. Make sure you know the requirements before applying.
- The Career Development Center oversees the Community Service Scholarship Program (CSSP), where eligible students can earn a $645, $1,290 or $1,935 scholarship depending on their circumstances. Contact the Career Development Center by phone at 559.278.2381 or by email at careers@csufresno.edu for more information.
- Engage with these community organizations:
- Fresno State NEUM – Fresno State Native American Student Association (NEUM) is a student organization open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. They sponsor activities and host events to help raise awareness for a better understanding of the Native American community by promoting mutual respect among all people.
- Fresno State CCGC Volunteers – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center invites volunteers to help support diverse co-educational programs, services, and activities for the campus community. Volunteering offers a chance to build cultural competency, gain skills, and add experience to a resume.
- Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!
- Fresno State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships – The Financial Aid Office can assist students with any and all questions regarding scholarship and aid eligibility. Contact the Fresno State Financial Aid department during office hours for assistance with your financial aid-related questions.
***NOTE: The Financial Aid Office has multiple peak times each semester where students are trying to reach them. Make sure to plan ahead and contact them as soon as possible for assistance with your specific case. - Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.