Matt Franklin is Tribal Chairman of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians – he recently graduated from Sacramento State:

“It was difficult coming to a campus where there was over 25,000 people and you don’t see any people that reflect you.”

CSU Chancellor Charles Reed says that’s why schools are reaching out – holding a series of meetings to address the challenges:

“Fewer Native Americans come to the UC or CSU or community college than any other under-served community,  and fewer Native Americans finish college with a bachelor’s degree.”

One idea that’s emerged from discussions is the formation of
regional educational partnerships between tribes and Cal State Universities.