The service project selected by the ASPIRE Social Justice Committee this year will be centering the Native American student population of North Dakota by raising money to support Cankdeska Cikana (means little hoop) Community College (CCCC) which houses a TRIO Talent Search program.

CCCC is tribal college that serves the Spirit Lake Dakota reservation community who averages 200 students per semester. In general, a CCCC student is a Native, 27 year-old female who is a single mother and usually works full-time.  The reservation is located in Benson County, ND which has double the US Poverty Rate at close to 30%.  Endemic poverty, historical trauma, lack of preparedness and confidence, and the resurging drug epidemic are all factors that impact the success of CCCC students – and now the pandemic!

Please consider making a donation in any amount to Cankdeska Cikana Community College by clicking the button below and clicking on the “donate” button on the bottom of that page.

Your donations will go to the “CCCC COVID-19 Angel Fund” that provides CCCC students with $25 gift cards for food, supplies, gas, etc. to three local tribal vendors. Your donations will contribute to the success, retention and livelihood of Native students at CCCC.”