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Publication Date

2020

Summary

Introduction:

Many barriers exist for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students pursuing advanced degrees. The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis has a higher than average graduation rate for AI/AN students. The purpose of this article is to understand the lived experiences of AI/AN students at the Brown School and how the experiences influence graduation rates.

Methods:

This study collected data from Brown School alumni who were associated with the Buder Center between 1991 and 2013; nine interviews were analyzed.

Results:

Six themes were identified: 1) AI/AN student cohort, 2) social work skill development, 3) service to AI/AN communities and people, 4) success as balance, 5) cultural identity, and 6) resiliency.

Discussion:

Institutional supports were described by participants as factors that affected their success in the program; these combined with student characteristics, beliefs and attitudes influenced the high rate of AI/AN student graduates at the Brown School.

Document Type

Restricted Article

Original Citation

Thompson, K., Posey, A., Manshack, L. (2020). American Indian Social Work Students: Factors that Influence Success in Graduate School. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 17:1, 63-74, DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2019.1626786

Keywords

Native American; American Indian; social work; higher education; graduate school; culture; student support

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