Seek to Learn (Nandagikendan) Academy
The Nandagikendan Seek to Learn Academy provides students with the core knowledge of what it takes to get started in college and how to be successful in college. From supporting high school students with college readiness skills to helping FDLTCC college students build study and life skills, the Seek to Learn Academy supports learners in discovering their education and career aspirations.
Data has been collected from participating students and high schools for the High School Seek to Learn Academy both for summer and academic year Academy events since Summer of 2019. This data has been analyzed to determine success of the Academy programming in supporting students in exploring colleges by extending services to students across the State for the summer Academy and including more schools in the local area for the academic year Academy. The report can be accessed here: Summer 2019 to Summer 2024 High School Seek to Learn Academy Data Report.
The report for the Dorm Student Orientation/Seek to Learn Academy with data from Summer 2019 to Summer 2024 will be available soon.
During the academic year, monthly Seek to Learn Academy events are organized for students through partnerships with local high schools and their Indian Education Program Coordinators. The coordinators connect with students to determine interests in colleges, majors, and careers to help design specific Academy events to each high school and its students. The goals of these events are to support high schools in creating hands-on opportunities for Native American high school students to explore college and career options while also developing college readiness skills and life skills. Travel, meals, and costs for educational activities are covered by the Seek to Learn program, so there is no cost to the high schools.
Want to share information about this opportunity with your school? The Academic Year Seek to Learn Academy Brochure is a great place to start! Or use the Academic Year Seek to Learn Academy single page version for bulletin boards.
The following schools currently participate in the Academic Year Seek to Learn Academy:
- Cloquet High School/Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program
- Fond du Lac Ojibwe School
- Barnum High School
- Carlton High School
- South Ridge High School
- McGregor High School
- Proctor High School
- Hinckley-Finlayson High School
- Wrenshall High School
- Denfeld High School
If you are interested in having your school participate in the Seek to Learn program, please contact Ariel Johnson at ariel.johnson@fdltcc.edu or at 218-879-0871.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nandagikendanacademy.
The 2025 Summer Seek to Learn Academy for High School students is tentatively planned for June 16th-June 18th.
The annual Summer Seek to Learn Academy provides high school students from all over Minnesota the opportunity to get the “college experience”. Students stay in the dorms at FDLTCC during the three-day, two-night Academy. Each day provides a new experience for students to explore college and career opportunities, develop college readiness skills, learn about the programs at FDLTCC through mock college classes, participate in Ojibwe Language classes, and build new friendships with other Academy participants. The Summer Academy is free to students and is open to students entering grades 9-12 in high school.
Want to share this opportunity with a student you know? Use the Summer Seek to Learn Academy Brochure to share information with students and families or post the Summer Seek to Learn Academy single page version for bulletin boards.
If you would like more information about the Summer Seek to Learn Academy, contact Ariel Johnson at ariel.johnson@fdltcc.edu or at 218-879-0871.
Check out past Summer Academy adventures on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nandagikendanacademy
Every year, the week prior to classes starting, there is an Orientation for Dorm students. While participation is not required, it’s highly encouraged. Students who have participated in the past have had higher GPAs and greater rates of program and degree completion than their peers. Dorm students who participate in the Academy can move into the dorms before other dorm students to participate in the four-day Academy. During the Academy, students learn about resources both on campus and in the community. They experience what a typical college class (or university class, for our second-year students) is like and learn skills that help support their holistic and academic success. Teambuilding activities provide a unique opportunity for dorm students to build relationships with their peers as well as FDLTCC staff and faculty. Meals are provided and the cost of transportation and teambuilding activities are covered by the Seek to Learn Academy, meaning students can participate for free!
For more information about the Seek to Learn Academy (Orientation) for Dorm Students, contact Ariel Johnson at ariel.johnson@fdltcc.edu or at 218-879-0871.
You can also check out the Thunder Ambassador Facebook page to see what the Academy has done in past years: https://www.facebook.com/nandagikendanacademy
2019-2020 Academic Year High School Seek to Learn Academy Report
2020-2021 Academic Year High School Seek to Learn Academy Report
2021-2022 Academic Year High School Seek to Learn Academy Report
2022-2023 Academic Year High School Seek to Learn Academy Report
2023-2024 Academic Year High School Seek to Learn Academy Report
2019 New/Returning Dorm Student Seek to Learn Academy Report
2020 New/Returning Dorm Student Seek to Learn Academy Report
2021 New/Returning Dorm Student Seek to Learn Academy Report
2022 New/Returning Dorm Student Seek to Learn Academy Report
2023 New/Returning Dorm Student Seek to Learn Academy Report
If you would like more information about the Seek to Learn programs, contact Ariel Johnson at ariel.johnson@fdltcc.edu or at 218-879-0871.
