Indigenous Pre-College Academy
Empowering and Educating the Next Generation of Native Scholars
University of Oregon is pleased to offer the Indigenous Pre-College Academy (IPCA). This week-long summer program aims to create and support a cohort of college-bound Indigenous students while acquainting them with UO’s campus, facilities, students, and staff. IPCA students will stay in one of our residence halls to experience living and learning on a college campus.
IPCA helps students prepare for college by familiarizing them with different resources. Students will have a stronger understanding of how to apply for college, how financial aid works, and how to integrate cultural knowledge into professional development. We will walk students through the college admissions process, support them in finding financial aid, and create a safe and welcoming environment for cultural needs and wellbeing.
The ultimate goal for IPCA is to help prepare our students for college, build their academic confidence, and create opportunities to connect them with students from other communities. This program offers Native and Indigenous students a chance to claim space within higher education.
IPCA helps with:
- Academic planning and finding your passions
- College admission essay and application support
- Exploring your resources and options
- Financial aid and financial planning for college
- Indigenous identity
- Professional development
- Cultural knowledge and traditions
- Navigating institutions of learning and maintaining cultural traditions
When and Where
- Sunday, July 19 to Sunday, July 26, 2026
- University of Oregon; Eugene, OR
Eligibility
- IPCA is open to all high school students who will be in grades 9–12 in the coming school year—with priority given to juniors and seniors and members from the 9 federally recognized tribes of Oregon.
- We accept applications from students who self-identify as part of an Indigenous community, including Native Hawaiian students, Alaska Native students, or any of the other federally or state recognized tribes and bands across the US.
Price
- IPCA is a free program.
- Housing and meals are provided.
- Students will need to arrange their own travel to and from Eugene.
Application Process
- Applications will open in late March.
- This application requires several essay responses and gives applicants an opportunity to attach additional documents.
- Please note, the application does not allow applicants to save their answers and come back to them later.
- To ensure the application process goes smoothly, it is recommended that students preview the application requirements and essay prompts first.
- Please have additional documents ready to upload and essays pre-written before filling out the application.
- Application deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026
Becoming an IPCA Counselor
- We will seek current college students to act as counselors for the program.
- Applications for counselors will open in April 2026.
Contact Info
Carina Peterson
Native American and Indigenous Recruitment Coordinator
Phone: 541-346-1219
Email: carinap@uoregon.edu