Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Education
What began as a vision has grown into a powerful movement empowering Indigenous youth to dream boldly, lead confidently, and pursue brighter futures. Thanks to a grant from Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, middle school social studies teacher John Price has transformed lives and inspired a generation.
As a 2020-2021 Dreamstarter Teacher, John initially used a $5,000 grant to launch the Catawba Youth Council (CYC) at Castle Heights Middle School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This enrichment program fosters academic success, personal growth, mentorship, goal-setting, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging.
Today, that same program has grown beyond the middle school walls, amplifying Indigenous voices and building a community grounded in heritage and hope.
From Vision to Impact: Launching the Catawba Youth Council
John’s initiative didn’t just offer activities, it offered purpose. The Catawba Youth Council (CYC) was designed to uplift Native youth academically and culturally while preparing them for the future. Its core components included:
- Academic success mentoring
- Community service initiatives
- Cultural heritage celebrations
- Leadership training
- Goal-setting and vision building
The program quickly took root and became a pillar in the school community, not just among students but faculty and local families as well.
Expanding the Reach: Tribal Talk and High School Engagement
This year, John expanded CYC to serve high school students—a bold step that doubled participation in just one year. At Rock Hill High School, CYC now includes over 20 students, many of whom are alumni of the original middle school group. Even more excitingly, these same students are now taking on leadership roles, mentoring younger peers, and shaping the direction of the program themselves.
One of the most exciting additions? The “Tribal Talk” podcast is a platform that gives Indigenous students space to share their voices, perspectives, and stories. John calls it “the Catawba Nation’s Next Generation podcast.”
This platform isn’t just symbolic, it’s strategic. It reinforces digital storytelling, self-empowerment, and 21st-century communication skills, all through the lens of identity and resilience.
A Year of Meaningful Moments and Cultural Milestones
The impact of CYC has unfolded through a series of powerful events and achievements:
- Catawba Cultural Assembly (November): In honor of Native American Heritage Month, drummers, dancers, and storytellers from the Catawba Nation delivered a captivating performance for the school community.
- Angel Tree Program (December): The CYC sponsored a local Indigenous student and provided gifts during the holiday season. As John shared, “We were able to provide a few gifts for an Indigenous family in our community and help make their Christmas a little brighter.”
- Visit from Michaela Goade (March): In partnership with Davidson College, the group hosted acclaimed Indigenous author and illustrator Michaela Goade. Known for her illustrations in the Caldecott Medal-winning book We Are Water Protectors, Goade engaged over 700 students, staff, and community members through presentations and a guest appearance on the Tribal Talk podcast. “Mrs. Goade’s message was powerful,” John said. “She encouraged the students to persevere when faced with adversity and to follow their dreams.”
- College Exposure Trip (March): Students toured the University of South Carolina at Lancaster, meeting with admissions counselors and exploring the Native American Studies Center. They saw centuries-old Catawba pottery and artifacts, connecting with their heritage in a deeply personal way.
A Ripple Effect That’s Just Getting Started
As former middle schoolers become mentors and podcast hosts, and new high schoolers join the council, a generational cycle of leadership is taking shape. What started with a small grant and a handful of students has now become a living legacy of empowerment, culture, and community engagement.
“I’ve been humbled by the generosity of Running Strong,” John reflected. “With their support, we’ve grown a small mentoring group into something truly special. Many of our original students are now heading off to college, trade school, and beginning their careers. It’s incredible to see their dreams taking flight.”
Thank You to the Supporters
To the funders, partners, and cheerleaders of Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, your investment is not just supporting a project. It’s shaping lives. You are preserving culture, sparking leadership, and helping young people find their voice.
One student. One podcast episode. One cultural celebration at a time, this is how futures are transformed.
Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Education
The story of the Catawba Youth Council is more than a local success, it’s a model for what’s possible when communities invest in culturally grounded, youth-led education initiatives. With continued support, mentorship, and inspiration, Indigenous students will continue to rise, leading with pride, purpose, and power.
