About Us
History
The Native American Multi-Cultural Education
School (NAMES) was founded more than five years ago to address
a need within the Native American and Southwest Denver community,
for a school for adults seeking an education.
In March 1996, the Denver Indian Center's Adult
Education Program was forced to close its doors due to loss of
major federal funding. However, the community still had an unmet
need for targeted education. NAMES opened in April 1996 with 25
students, $2000 in seed capital, a 100% volunteer staff, and donated
computers and furniture. In the first five years, the school has
served over 500 students at learning levels ranging from first
grade to college preparatory. Since its origin, the school has
moved to larger quarters, established a computer lab and is developing
a multi-cultural approach to education.
Native Americans currently have the lowest graduation
rate (58.4%) from public schools of any ethnic minority group.
Hispanics have the second lowest graduation rate (64%). In Denver
County in 1999, only 52.5% of Native Americans and 54.5% of Hispanics
graduated from Denver schools. Here at NAMES, about 34% of our
students are Native American and 53% are Hispanic. NAMES is the
only adult education program in metro Denver, which targets Native
Americans. Additionally, the need for Adult Basic Education services
is high in the southwest Denver community of Westwood, the NAMES
immediate service area. About 45% of the adult residents in this
area do not have a high school diploma (compared to the citywide
rate of 21%).
The majority of students who attend NAMES are
enrolled in either Adult Basic Education (which provides reading,
writing, and math studies for people who enter at second to eighth
grade level) or G.E.D. preparation (for people who enter at ninth
grade or above). Additionally, we offer other types of workshops
and classes that help develop or strengthen specific skill sets
students need. These include Basic Computer classes, as well as
Art, Consumer Health, Workplace Literacy and various guest workshops.
NAMES has been recognized nationally as an Exemplary
Indian Education Program by the Catching the Dream Foundation,
a national organization promoting education for Native Americans.
The City of Denver also awarded our director one of its "Good
Neighbor" awards last year, recognizing the role the school
plays within Denver’s Westwood neighborhood. At the top of the
list of honors we have received--is the honor to share in the
realization of student achievements and dreams, again and again.
We continue on . . .
Observantly walking with open eyes (wo nagiksabya)
Mission
The Native American Multi-Cultural Education
School, Inc. serves all cultures by teaching Adult Basic Education
(ABE), General Education Diploma (GED), Computer Competencies,
Internet, Workplace and Family Literacy. We serve all who have
a need to improve their education, effectively increase career
opportunities and build their leadership potential on their "walk"
in this world of many cultures.
Vision
The heart of our approach to education and leadership is the Morning
Star Medicine Wheel of Learning, a values-based concept. This
concept blends the principles of traditional Native American philosophy
with adult learning theory to help students learn how to address
the complex needs of contemporary society. .
A striking Lakota star quilt that was made by
a student’s mother inspired the Morning Star Medicine Wheel of
Learning. At the center of this quilt is the Medicine Wheel with
its Four Directions of east, south, west, and north, representing
the four races (black, yellow, red, and white) as well as the
four stages of an individual’s life journey (illumination, innocence,
introspection, and empowerment). Emanating from the Medicine Wheel
is the eight-pointed Morning Star whose eight points represent
eight values common to cultural traditions around the world: respect,
truth, honesty, humility, humor, compassion, wisdom, and love.
From these principles, we are developing a values-based, multi-cultural
curriculum to help our students gain a perspective on how academic
subjects can be used in making everyday professional and personal
decisions.
For example, stories from the circle of life,
which is the Medicine Wheel, teach strategies for personal growth,
cooperation, teamwork, and leadership. Stories from the eight
points of the Morning Star provide creative, practical, and humorous
applications of knowledge gained from many cultures around the
world. The Four Directions of the Medicine Wheel provide a framework
for problem-solving and leadership development.
NAMES expects to serve 150 people each fiscal
year. Not only do we help the students learn the fundamental reading,
writing, and arithmetic skills necessary to achieve the GED diploma,
we help them achieve other personal and professional goals, such
as getting into college or vocational school or improving their
current work situations in order to gain financial independence.
Our contribution goes beyond the impact on students. As our students
begin to read to their children, improve their professional lives,
and seek out other education, there is a positive ripple effect
for their families and community. As we continue to develop the
Morning Star Medicine Wheel curriculum, family and friends of
our students as well as community members will be sought out to
bring their traditional knowledge into the school.
NAMES is committed to accountability to our students,
our funders, and our community. We work closely with our students
to assess their academic levels and to monitor the success with
their individual academic programs. NAMES follows the Colorado
Department of Education protocols for monitoring and measuring
student progress. This includes use of standardized pre-tests
at entry and post-tests at regular intervals, as well as student
surveys regarding their accomplishments after leaving the school.
We continue on . . .
Observantly walking with open eyes (wo nagiksabya)
List of Services
CONTACTS: Director, Lynda Nuttall 303-934-8086,
or call 303-934-0028.
Send email to names_inc@qwest.net
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