“A Hopeful Sign for the Future”

As enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin tribes, Mason (left) and Gavin White Eagle will have the full cost of an undergraduate degree covered by the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program. Bryce Richter

Brothers Gavin x’26 and Mason x’27 White Eagle are among the beneficiaries of UW–Madison’s new Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program. The initiative offers financial support to cover the full cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree for state residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.

The commitment covers not only tuition and fees but also housing, meals, books, and other educational expenses. It was offered to current students as well as incoming freshmen and transfer students. In this inaugural year, the White Eagle brothers are two of 73 undergraduates in the program.

“The Tribal Promise is our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous students have the opportunity to receive a top-notch education here at UW–Madison,” says Carla Vigue, the university’s director of tribal relations. “But it’s also a way to get Indigenous students to bring their talent, their voice, and their unique perspective to campus. UW–Madison is a better place because of it.”

The program is not based on financial need and is funded by private donations and other institutional resources rather than taxpayer money.

The White Eagle brothers grew up in Auburndale, Wisconsin, and are enrolled members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Gavin is a junior majoring in legal studies and communication arts, and Mason is a sophomore kinesiology major. The two are first-generation college students.

Gavin, who aspires to attend law school and possibly work for the Ho-Chunk Nation, sees the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program as a big step forward for UW–Madison.

“The university is always talking about how it is located on Ho-Chunk land,” he says. “Well, this is them actually doing something about it. It’s a hopeful sign for the future.”

Mason, who is interested in being an athletic trainer, says the financial aid has been a huge relief. And both brothers think the program will inspire other Indigenous students to set a goal of attending UW–Madison.

“We want to be good role models and good representatives of this new initiative,” says Gavin, “so that it is here for other Native students when they need it.”

Published in the Spring 2025 issue