HIGHLAND, CA – The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) has received a $75,000 contribution from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, which was presented following the Nation’s annual golf tournament. AIHEC was one of several charitable recipients of this year’s tournament, part of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s philanthropic giving in education and community partnership.
The unrestricted gift will support AIHEC’s ongoing work to advance Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and strengthen higher education opportunities for Native students and communities. AIHEC will work closely with its member institutions to ensure the funding bolsters TCU capacity in ways that honor tribal priorities and local community needs.
“Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s generous support reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Native higher education and building pathways for future generations,” said Ahniwake Rose, AIHEC President and CEO. “Flexible, unrestricted funding is especially impactful because it allows AIHEC and our member institutions to respond to evolving community needs while continuing to advance culturally grounded, community‑driven education.”
AIHEC represents 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), which serve tens of thousands of Native and rural students each year through programs ranging from workforce certificates to graduate degrees. TCUs also support the preservation of Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge systems.
According to AIHEC’s national economic impact study, TCUs contribute $3.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support more than 40,700 jobs across healthcare, education, and public service sectors. The study found that every public dollar invested in TCUs generates more than $1.60 in returns through tax revenue and public sector savings.
AIHEC’s work supporting TCUs includes advocacy, research, and technical assistance.
