SKC also houses the following programs that meet the needs of the campus and community:
Community Health and Development
SKC Community Health & Development (CHD) is a grant funded department that implements projects and activities to develop Healthy Living Practices (HLPs). Examples of those HLPs include fostering community through intergenerational learning, increasing physical activity (i.e., Native Games and outdoor experiences), food sovereignty efforts (i.e., gardening in the outdoor classroom, food distribution, food access, and growing self-efficacy through food preparation skill-building), health promotion and outreach, along with efforts to prevent and/or reduce the progression of substance misuse and related problems. Many of the department activities incorporate cultural learning through tribal history and language. CHD also offers student internship opportunities.
Indigenous Research Center
The Indigenous Research Center (IRC) works to advance, through use and research, an Indigenous Research Methodology (IRM) to produce new knowledge for the sake of the perpetuation and prosperity of Tribal College institutions, and their respective local communities’ unique worldviews. Funded through the National Science Foundation, the IRC sponsors a visiting Indigenous scholars
program, Indigenous Research colloquia, cross-disciplinary STEM research, IRM education and training services, IRM syposia, a SKC/CSKT IRB Module, and IRM library.
Indigenous Math and Science Institute
All Nations Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ANLSAMP)
The ANLSAMP program is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and involves 38 partner institutions spread across 14 states, working in conjunction to increase the number of Native Americans achieving a STEM Bachelor’s degree. The goal of the ANLSAMP program is to double the number of Native Americans and other under-represented minorities who are enrolled in STEM disciplines at partner institutions, and assist them in completing a STEM BS degree. In order to achieve this goal and related supporting objectives, the ANLSAMP program supports students at partner institutions with stipends, travel, internship opportunities, and other partner-specific activities. ANLSAMP is 1 of 40 Alliances nationwide and the only one specifically focusing on Native Americans.
Robert Noyce Teacher Fellowships
The Robert Noyce Teacher Fellowships is a sister project to and natural outgrowth of the BSSP. Also funded by the National Science Foundation, it provides 27 BSSP teachers with two year fellowships to develop and conduct significant science teacher leadership projects that are designed to strengthen science instruction in BSSP schools. Fellowship projects focus on a variety of areas including teacher professional development, curriculum development, and educational research, and are designed to make systemic, sustainable, and substantive change in the way science is taught in BSSP schools.
SKC STEM Scholarship (S3) Program
The S3 program is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is designed to increase enrollment and retention within the SKC STEM degree programs. New S3 scholarship applications are accepted anytime; however, awards are made the first week of each quarter based upon specific criteria and availability. The degree programs that are eligible for S3 funding are: Environmental Science, Forestry, Hydrology, Information Technology, and Life Sciences. Contact IMSI for more information.
SKC Extension
Salish Kootenai College integrates extension, education, and research to advance land grant initiatives for our Tribal community. A focus on ecological restoration processes has led to developing a native plant nursery production and teaching facility, sharing native plant growing techniques with the Tribal greenhouse staff, and implementing native plantings for restoration purposes. The extension office is mapping noxious weeds, providing community education, and coordinating community level planning and weed control efforts. Extension is facilitating the Tribal Colleges with a special water quality project to increase involvement with the USDA water quality program. The office is expanding the scope of extension by implementing delivery of curriculum in diet, health, and fitness aimed at preventing and reversing diet related illness.
Silver Fox Golf Course
The Silver Fox Golf Facility is a 9-hole, 3000-yard executive course. This USGA rated course winds its way through native trees, shrubs, and rock-lined ponds. The course is family-friendly and welcomes golfers of all skill levels. For more information contact (406) 675-PUTT.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a federally funded TRiO program designed to provide low-income, first-generation high school students with the skills and motivation necessary for success in postsecondary education. Services include tutoring, mentoring, college entrance preparation, enrichment activities, and college visitations. A six-week residential summer component on campus offers students high school credit, college credit, and work-study experiences.