Indigenous Student Seminar

Part of the Hoover Project on Renewing Indigenous Economies, the Indigenous Student Seminar is an intensive, four-day residential immersion program exploring federal policy, tribal governance, and indigenous entrepreneurship. The goal is to help Indigenous college students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal Indian policy, self-determination, and economic development.

During the week, students will learn about the evolution of property rights and trade networks before European contact; the philosophical underpinnings of indigenous notions of individualism and governance; the effects of persistent colonial policies on indigenous people and communities; and the innovations in Indian Country that are restoring self-determination and spurring economic growth.

Session topics are selected because of their immediate relevance to the challenges and opportunities facing Indian Country. Particular attention will be paid to the building blocks of meaningful sovereignty: secure land title for indigenous people; clear jurisdiction recognizing tribal authority; customs and culture informing tribal governance; and fiscal power to set local priorities and meet community needs.

Participants will collaborate through class discussions and study groups that encourage diverse perspectives. Enrollment is limited, in order to facilitate maximum interaction with the faculty and other participants.

PROGRAM DATES

August 4 to 8th, 2025 (Monday - Friday)

ELIGIBILITY

Those who meet one of the following eligibility requirements are welcome to apply:

• Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed at least two years of a four-year undergraduate degree by summer 2025.
• Applicants who have completed at least two years of a three-year undergraduate degree by summer 2025  (i.e. international applicants).
• Recent graduates from an undergraduate degree program (graduate students are eligible to apply).

TIME COMMITMENT

Hoover’s Indigenous Student Seminar requires a 100% time commitment for the duration of the four-day program, including active collaboration with study groups outside of class.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Stanford University does not offer participants academic credit or grades for completing the Indigenous Student Seminar.

COST/ TUITION

The Indigenous Student Seminar is FREE to all accepted applicants. Program fees, food and lodging will be covered for participants accepted into the program. Travel expenses and other incidentals are not included.

DEADLINE

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 (11:59 pm Pacific Time)  | Applications - including Letter(s) of Recommendation - due

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Successful participants receive a certificate of completion endorsed by the Hoover Institution's director and the Indigenous Student Seminar faculty directors. To successfully complete the program, participants must:

• Attend every session.
• Complete all assignments and projects.
• Collaborate with their fellow participants in class discussion.

For any questions related to the program, please email indigenousecon@stanford.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The call for applications will open in October. In the application, candidates will be asked to provide their CV, transcript, contact info for a recommender (if you are a current student, at least one recommender must be a professor or academic advisor), and a letter of intent (1,000 words max) based on the following prompt:

Please describe how your participation in the Hoover Institution's Indigenous Student Seminar will further your professional and/or academic objectives.

The application deadline is March 5, 2025. Please note your letter of recommendation must also be received by the March 5^th deadline.

ADMISSIONS NOTIFY DATE

Applicants will be alerted of final decisions by April 4th, 2025. 

APPLICATION FORM

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