Build Relationships
Meet people across educational pathways, careers, generations, and communities.
Build New Connections.
Welcome to the Na’eda Network.
Na’eda means “Our Friends” in Dena’ina.
The Na’eda Network brings together people whose educational journeys have been supported by The CIRI Foundation. Whether you are just getting started, continuing your education, building your career, or giving back to your community, you can connect with peers who share similar experiences and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Build relationships across educational pathways, careers, generations, and communities. Share experiences, celebrate achievements, exchange ideas, and strengthen a network that grows with every new member.
Every educational journey has value.
Every member brings knowledge, experience, and perspective that
strengthens our community.
Built on Shared Journeys
Different Paths. One Network.
No two educational journeys look exactly alike. Some members are preparing for their first semester. Others are completing Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, earning degrees, building careers, changing professions, or sharing years of experience with future generations.
The Na’eda Network creates opportunities to meet people who understand those experiences, exchange knowledge, celebrate milestones, and build lasting relationships through a shared connection with The CIRI Foundation.
Ways to Connect
A Network Built Around People
The Na’eda Network helps members build meaningful relationships that extend beyond a scholarship by creating opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another.
Share Knowledge
Exchange experiences, ideas, encouragement, and practical advice.
Celebrate Achievements
Recognize educational milestones, career growth, and personal successes.
Strengthen Community
Support one another while encouraging future scholarship recipients.
Community Voices
A Community Ready to Connect
Every voice below comes directly from a TCF recipient who has joined the Na’eda Network. Their words reflect the knowledge, encouragement, and community members are ready to share.
Communications and Public Service
I’d be happy to mentor or connect with others in strategic communications, public affairs, and public relations, particularly within the public service, energy, tribal healthcare, or nonprofit sectors.
— Na’eda Member
Graduate School
I would love to be a mentor to people interested in graduate school, especially for first generation students like myself.
— Na’eda Member
Connecting from Afar
I live remote in Colorado, but am happy to support video calls as needed for mentorship opportunities as I am available.
— Na’eda Member
Staying Connected
I love this idea. Thank you for finding ways for us to stay connected to our people and peers.
— Na’eda Member
These are just a few of the conversations already waiting to happen through the Na’eda Network.
Community-Informed
Designed in Response to Community Priorities
The Na’eda Network responds to priorities identified through TCF’s Community Needs Assessment, Workforce Survey, and conversations with scholarship recipients, alumni, families, and community members.
Community feedback reinforced the value of trusted relationships, mentorship, accessible information, cultural connection, and opportunities for peers to learn from and support one another.
8 in 10
Family connections matter
More than eight in ten respondents said they learned about TCF through their families, reinforcing the important role relationships play in connecting people with educational opportunities.
Mentorship
Members value meaningful ways to connect
Community feedback identified networking and mentorship as valuable ways to exchange experiences, knowledge, encouragement, and practical advice.
Ongoing
Support extends beyond a scholarship
The network creates a foundation for continued connection through peer relationships, mentorship, shared knowledge, and future opportunities to participate.
A Trusted Space
Members Choose What to Share
The directory is password protected and intended for people who have received support from The CIRI Foundation. Members choose what information appears in their profiles, and TCF reviews each profile before publication.
Build a New Connection
Request to Join the Na’eda Network
If you have received support from The CIRI Foundation, we would be honored to welcome you. Request an invitation to create your profile and become part of the growing network.
Request an Invitation