The higher education department has had the summer college visit for over four summers now. Over the course of three weeks, youth traveled to Western Technical College, UW-La Crosse, UW-Marathon County, Northcentral Technical College, Southeast Technical College and Winona State University.

"It is a good chance for the youth to do something in the summer," said Carla Nichols, pre college advisor in the higher education department. "It is open to middle school and high school students, and is a good opportunity for students to start thinking about college, which is what we are trying to promote".

The youth took tours around each campus, looking at classrooms, workshops, college dorms, and all of the fun activities around campus.

"My favorite part of the college visits was getting the chance to go visit them, because I don't have the chance to do it by myself because I am very busy with work," said Moses Decorah. "Being able to get the opportunity with the education department to figure out the next step in life was great".

On the journey up to Northcentral Technical College, students met up with former president Jon Greendeer, where they took a tour of campus with him and learned from what he had to say about his journey through college and what education can bring back to the Ho-Chunk people.

"Everything the nation relies on to be as functional and strong relies on the skills that you bring back to it." said Greendeer. "I don't know if your plan is to go to college and come back and help your nation, I hope that it is, but if you do, one of the most important things that you can bring back are skills that allow you to walk into departments confidently and leave something great behind."

While students were looking into each college, and learning about all of the programs each college had to offer, the education department also gave information on how the Ho-Chunk Nation can help with college.

"The main program that we offer for funding is the ho-chunk scholarship program. It's open to all tribal enrolled students and for an undergraduate degree students are eligible for up to $9,000 for the academic year. We also have additional support programs for tribal enrolled students," said Nichols.

For more information about programs that the Ho-Chunk Nation offers, contact the Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department at (715)284-9343 or email them at Education.Department@ho-chunk.com.