NEW BEGINNINGS FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS (NBTS)

Who We Are  

New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS) is an emerging program within Oregon State University's Extension and Engagement Open Campus. We walk alongside Tribal youth and Indigenous communities across Oregon and beyond, honoring sovereignty and supporting youth as they grow into their futures. 

NBTS is built on relationships, respect, and reciprocity. Our work centers on the voices and strengths of students, families, tribal nations and indigenous communities. Together, we create pathways to higher education and career exploration that remain grounded in culture and identity. 

What We Offer:   

• Environmental Leadership for Youth (ELY) Camp:
  
  A summer gathering on the OSU main campus for incoming and high school students rooted in culture, learning and connection (next camp August 2026) 

• Mentorship: Two Pathways of Support:
  
  Undergraduate Mentorship & Internships: Tribal and Indigenous mentors support undergraduate students through summer internships focused on leadership, skill-building, and career exploration.
  
  Youth Mentorship & Leadership: Current OSU students serve as mentors to guide high school students during the summer ELY camp, fostering a sense of belonging, cultural connection, and leadership. 

• Scholarships & Educational Support:
  
  NBTS offers financial resources to support currently enrolled students, including scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and conference funding for students seeking to present their work at professional conferences. 

Tribal and Indigenous Youth Camp:  

Next Camp August 09 -14, 2026 

 More details and application information coming soon. 

The Environmental Leadership for Youth (ELY) Camp is a residential summer experience for Tribal and Indigenous high school students, hosted on the Oregon State University main campus as part of the New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS) program. 

ELY Camp is designed to spark curiosity in environmental sciences, strengthen cultural connection, and expand access to higher education through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community. Youth explore environmental pathways while building relationships with Indigenous leaders, natural resource professionals, graduate students, and current OSU students. 

The camp welcomes Oregon youth entering grades 9–12 who self-identify as Tribal and/or Indigenous. In keeping with principles of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, no documentation of Tribal enrollment is required. 

New Beginnings for Tribal Students Environmental Leadership for Youth Camp (ELY) 2025

What Makes ELY Camp Unique 

ELY Camp offers students an authentic introduction to college life while centering Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and lived experience. 

During camp, youth will have the opportunity to: 

• Dorm in OSU residence halls 

• Learn in college classrooms and labs 

• Eat in campus dining facilities 

Youth also participate in place-based field learning across western Oregon, connecting classroom learning with land, water, and community.  

     
Left: Ayuthea sharing Indigenous cedar basket knowledge at the ina haws with ELY Camp 2025; Right: NBTS ELY Campers at Forestry Peavy Hall

NBTS ELY Campers at Hatfield Marine Science Center  

Learning Experiences May Include:

• Team-building and leadership challenge activities 

• Canoe paddling and water-based learning 

• Hands-on science labs at the Hatfield Marine Science Center 

• Guided hikes and outdoor exploration at Marys Peak 

• Visits to ecological restoration and stewardship sites 

• Tribal games, storytelling, and cultural activities 

• Swimming and recreational wellness activities 

Activities vary each year and are designed to be engaging, active, and youth-centered 

Pathways to College & Environmental Careers 

Throughout the week, students learn about: 

• Environmental science and natural resource career pathways 

• Academic programs at Oregon State University 

• Financial aid, scholarships, and college access tools 

• The importance of honoring Indigenous Knowledge alongside Western science 

Youth connect with Indigenous college students, campus leaders, and professionals who share their journeys and offer guidance about navigating higher education. 

ELY Camp 2025 canoe journey

Participant Support & Stipend

Youth are supported 24/7 by trained staff and college student mentors. 

There is no cost to participate in ELY Camp. Youth who complete the camp will receive a stipend in recognition of their time, learning, and leadership. 

Community & Partnerships 

ELY Camp is shaped through ongoing collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, whose leadership and guidance inform the program each year. 

The camp is supported in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the College of Agricultural Sciences. 

Learn More 

Read Oregon Sea Grant’s January 2024 article: “Summer Camps Introduce Indigenous and Migrant Youth to Science and College” 

Mentorship opportunities for current undergraduate students 

Undergraduate Mentorship & Internships 

NBTS supports undergraduate students through summer internships paired with mentorship from Tribal and Indigenous professionals, with a focus on leadership development, skill-building, and career exploration in natural sciences.  

Students participating in eligible summer internships may receive a $2,000 internship stipend to support their learning and professional growth.  

Application will open again in late January 2026!

About the Internship Experience 

• Internships must be a minimum of 8 weeks 

• Experiences designed to support students build practical understanding of their field through hands-on, real-world learning 

• Interns and mentors gather periodically as a summer cohort to build connection, reflect, and learn together. 

Internships may take place with: 

• Tribal and Indigenous organizations 

• Non-profits or industry partners 

• Off-campus organizations 

• OSU programs or research labs 

Academic credit is not required to receive this funding. 

***NBTS does not provide internships but will support you with recourses on how to secure an internship***

NBTS is a Tribal-serving program rooted in partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. While opportunities are open to all eligible OSU students, the program’s design reflects long-standing commitments to addressing barriers faced by Tribal and Indigenous students in natural sciences fields.  

Additional Scholarship & Engagement 

After completing the internship, students may apply for an additional $1,000 stipend 

Students are encouraged to stay engaged with NBTS and may serve as: 

• Program ambassadors 

• Peer mentors  

Mentorship & Community 

Interns are supported by Tribal and Indigenous mentors, which may include:  

• An employer or supervisor 

• An OSU faculty member 

• A community or field expert 

Mentors participate in a free, culturally-informed mentor training provided by OSU. 

Are you interested in Mentoring?  

If you are interested in mentoring an NBTS student, please complete the Mentor Interest Form HERE. 

Youth Mentorship & Leadership 

NBTS creates leadership opportunities for current Oregon State University students to serve as mentors during the Environmental Leadership for Youth (ELY) Camp. Student mentors support high school youth through guidance, encouragement, and shared learning, helping to foster belonging, cultural connection, and leadership. 

OSU Students NBTS ELY Camp Mentors 2025: Left to right- Kelcey, Taylor, Harrisson and Peni  

About the Youth Mentorship Experience 

• OSU students serve as peer mentors for high school youth participating in ELY Camp 

• Mentors support youth during campus activities, field experiences, and reflection spaces 

• The program emphasizes relationship-centered mentorship, cultural care, and positive role modeling 

Leadership Development for Student Mentors 

Through this role, OSU student mentors: 

• Build leadership, communication, and facilitation skills 

• Gain experience working with youth in a culturally grounded, supportive environment 

• Contribute to a collaborative camp community alongside staff, partners, and fellow mentors 

Mentors receive training and preparation prior to camp, ongoing support from NBTS staff throughout the experience, and a $1,500 stipend.  

Community & Care 

Youth mentorship is grounded in care, safety, and respect. Student mentors help create a welcoming environment where high school youth feel supported as they explore college life, environmental learning, and their own leadership potential. 

Become an ELY Camp Youth Mentor  

Are you a current OSU student interested in leadership, community, and supporting Tribal and Indigenous youth?  

No prior mentoring experience required 

Training and support are provided before and during camp. 

Recruitment for ELY Camp Youth Mentors will open Spring 2026. Check back for application details or connect with NBTS to learn more. 

Scholarships & Educational Support: 

APPLY HERE for financial assistance for science conference expenses.  

Application for Emergency Funding assistance coming soon (please reach out to the NBTS Program Coordinator for more information)

To build your skills, access culturally informed resources, and explore trainings for students, mentors, and supervisors, visit our Training & Resources page.