The American Indian Graduate Program was initiated at Berkeley in 1971 in the School of Public Health to promote the participation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in graduate study. In 1979 the program expanded to include the School of Social Welfare. In 2000 its mission was broadened to promote access to all Berkeley graduate programs. Since its inception, AIGP has assisted over four hundred scholars to graduate with academic and professional degrees. These graduates are now practitioners in the professoriate and professional fields and serve as leaders in urban, rural, and reservation communities

AIGP advances four goals:

Outreach and Recruitment
AIGP seeks to overcome barriers that prevent American Indians and Alaska Natives from applying to graduate programs at UC Berkeley by identifying, contacting, and encouraging interested individuals regarding Berkeley’s programs and the process of admission.

Advice and Advocacy
AIGP assists the UC Berkeley Graduate Division and individual departments and schools in identifying and addressing barriers that prevent American Indians and Alaska Natives from full participation in Berkeley’s graduate programs.

Retention
AIGP provides and promotes services to identify and eliminate barriers that may prevent American Indian and Alaska Native students from the full opportunity for academic success at Berkeley.

Education
AIGP promotes the inclusion of Native American history, culture, and perspectives in Berkeley programs and curriculum.