SERVING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 33 YEARS
AMERICAN INDIAN
RECRUITMENT (AIR) PROGRAMS
annual awards and fundraiser banquet
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan
Thank You!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego State University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program for their generous support of our programs and Native youth.
Your support makes a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our community and future generations.
Congratulations to the 2026 Student Leadership Honorees
We proudly recognize the 2026 Student Leadership Honorees for their dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence — inspiring the next generation of leaders...
Justice Brown (Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians)
Temevish Leo-Saavedra (Pala Band of Mission Indians)
Precious Dahlia, Zambrano-Tercero (P'urhepecha)
Juliana Garcia (Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians)
Elizabeth Fletcher (Pechanga Band of Indians)
Xavier R. Kearns (Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria)
AIR SUMMER 2026 - Complete
We thank all of our Summer 2026 participants for making it such a wonderful summer! We had an exciting and informative season filled with learning, new experiences, great friendships, and plenty of fun along the way.
We would also like to extend a special thank-you to our dedicated mentors, supportive parents, and valued community partners who volunteered their time and helped make this summer possible.
We are grateful for everyone who contributed to such a memorable experience and look forward to seeing you all next summer in 2027!
AIR Summer '19
About AIR Programs
Our mission is to promote higher education among the Native youth community.
Established in 1993, the AIR Program has been dedicated to serving San Diego’s American Indian community and Native youth through after-school mentoring programs. In 2002, AIR became an incorporated nonprofit organization in response to the low rates of educational attainment among Native youth. Since then, our mission has remained focused on promoting educational access, achievement, and success for American Indians.
The AIR Program embraces a “Teaching Through Culture” model that empowers Native youth to explore their cultural heritage and examine issues affecting their tribal communities. Through thoughtful discussion, critical reflection, and collaboration with college mentors—both Native and non-Native—students investigate the root causes of these challenges and work together to identify meaningful, community-centered solutions.
By integrating cultural knowledge, mentorship, and educational support, AIR strives to empower Native youth to pursue higher education, strengthen their connection to their communities, and become future leaders and advocates for positive change.
TRIBAL LAW DAY EVENT
May 1, 2026/Completed
Traditionally observed on May 1st, Law Day is a national commemoration celebrating the rule of law and promoting a deeper understanding of the legal system, sponsored by the American Bar Association. While this day often highlights rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, our focus centers on something even older—Tribal law.
Indigenous communities have long upheld rich, culturally rooted legal systems that continue to guide and govern Tribal nations today. This event creates space to honor, explore, and discuss those traditions and perspectives.
We thank all those who participated in our Annual Event.
Thank you to San Diego State University, Dept. of American Indian Studies for your partnership on this community event.
