Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute
About Na-ha-shnee:
Since 1995, northwestern Native American high school students have participated in Na-ha-shnee. This two-week summer camp at Washington State University Spokane invites youth to discover health sciences careers through hands-on learning experiences taught by healthcare providers, WSU Spokane faculty, and health sciences college students.
Participants explore life on the WSU Spokane campus, stay in a Gonzaga University dormitory, and gain exposure to healthcare professions.
Who Can Participate:
The program is designed for Native high school students interested in the health sciences or Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) fields and have completed grades 9-12 by spring 2024.
Held on the WSU Spokane campus, all expenses, such as transportation, housing, food, education materials, and cultural activities, are paid.
First-year participants who complete the program will be able to keep their Chromebook and will receive a $200 stipend in the form of a pre-paid debit card.
Topics/skills training include:
- First aid and CPR training
- Basic nursing skills
- Traditional medicine
- Native American elder teachings
- Substance abuse and education
- Diabetes education
- Leadership skill building
Application Requirements:
- Must be completed by both the student and their parent/guardian.
- Provide proof of immunization record.
- Include a short-written response.
- Submit a current high school academic transcript to complete the application.
Program Dates: July 15 – 27, 2024.
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024
Transcripts need to include a cumulative GPA (cannot be a recent grade report that does not list all high school coursework) and all high school courses taken so far.
Submit transcripts via email to Janelle Whipple at janelle.whipple@wsu.edu or mail to the following address:
WSU Spokane, 412 E Spokane Falls Blvd, HERB 202 , Spokane, Washington 99202-1495
For more information, please contact Janelle Whipple at janelle.whipple@wsu.edu or Gerald “Jerry” Crowshoe, gerald.crowshoe@wsu.edu.
I participated in this program because I wanted to explore careers. My mom got me into this program last year and I am so grateful she decided to get me involved. Na-ha-shnee has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will always remember and be grateful for these experiences with NAHS.
Aurora Whiskeyjack, 2021 & 2022 Na-ha-shnee Participant
Institute Sponsors
Each year the summer institute is made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Eastern Washington University, Lummi Nation, Muckleshoot Casino, David and Dorothy Pierce Trust, Port Gamble S’Klammam Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, STCU, Wells Fargo, as well as the Trude E. Smith funds.