---
title: New Beginnings for Tribal Students in Oregon
description: A new USDA NIFA grant offers financial incentive for Native American undergraduate students in natural science majors attending OSU or SWOCC.
image: https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/hubfs/PXL_20210922_161515302%20(3)-1.jpg
---

![site-logo](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/451937/hubfs/Oregon_State_University_Theme2019/Images/site-logo.png?width=190&name=site-logo.png "site-logo")

OSU Open Campus, Juntos, and NBTS

![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/451937/Oregon_State_University_Theme2019/Images/Search.png)

![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/451937/Oregon_State_University_Theme2019/Images/search-close.png)

![MountainStudent1](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/hubfs/MountainStudent1.jpg "MountainStudent1")

# 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.](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/?hsLang=en) 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. 

 

**![P1000329 (1)](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/P1000329%20(1).jpg?width=600&height=450&name=P1000329%20(1).jpg)**

 

#### **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.

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## Learn More

 

### Youth Indigenous Camp at OSU

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.

[Learn More](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/nbts/camp?hsLang=en)

### 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.

[Learn More](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/nbts/mentorship?hsLang=en)

### Scholarship and Educational Opportunities

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. 

[Learn More](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/nbts/scholarship?hsLang=en)

![Design_02](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/451937/Oregon_State_University_Theme2019/Images/Design_02.png "Design_02")

## Connect with our Program Coordinator!

**Join Us** 

NBTS is here for Tribal and Indigenous youth, their families and communities.   
Together, we build spaces where young people can dream and thrive. 

 **To learn more or get involved contact:** 

 

##### ![erika-circle](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/erika-circle.png?width=204&height=204&name=erika-circle.png) Contact Erika Carrillo, NBTS Program Coordinator 

[erika.carrillo@oregonstate.edu](mailto:erika.carrillo@oregonstate.edu) 

[![Contact Erika](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4645932/0903f592-1efe-4a28-8bac-d143dc66dc8e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4645932/0903f592-1efe-4a28-8bac-d143dc66dc8e)

 

 

## Discover More

### Explore our Services

From college and career exploration to family workshops and cultural leadership camps, our programs provide resources and opportunities that reflect the strengths and needs of Oregon’s diverse communities. Explore the full menu of services offered across our programs.

[Our Services](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/services?hsLang=en)

### In Your Community

Open Campus and Juntos are proud to have partnered with 23 counties in 34 communities to offer educational programs statewide. Through partnerships with community colleges, K-12 school districts, community non-profits, and other community partners, Open Campus is where you are, ready to meet local needs and support learners of all ages.

[Find Your Coordinator](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/communities?hsLang=en)

### Our Mission

Open Campus and Juntos work to expand access to education, careers, and opportunities through community-based partnerships and responsive services. As part of Oregon State University’s Extension Service, we aim to bring the university’s knowledge, research, and resources directly to the Oregon communities we serve.

[Learn More](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/about-us?hsLang=en)

![OSU_ES_horizontal_2C_O_over_W](https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/OSU_ES_horizontal_2C_O_over_W.png?width=2000&height=619&name=OSU_ES_horizontal_2C_O_over_W.png "OSU_ES_horizontal_2C_O_over_W")

#### Mission

Open Campus and Juntos provide local access to education through community-based partnerships and unique programming, meeting needs of the Oregon communities  
we serve

#### Equal Opportunity and Access

Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

#### Get Involved

Want to get involved? Whether you are a student, family, or community member, educator, organization, or leader who shares our commitment to educational access and community connection, we’d love to talk! 

[![Get Involved](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4645932/4d08af15-180e-44d2-b64d-8934b02bcceb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4645932/4d08af15-180e-44d2-b64d-8934b02bcceb)

 

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