Native Skyway to Success
Orientation | Admitted Students

Native Skyway to Success

Native Skyway PEAK Experience students posing in front of a teepee

Native Skyway to Success (NS2S) is a year-long program for first-year and transfer students that offers a welcoming community, guidance through the transition to college, and mentorship from current Native American Center (NAC) student leaders.

Through the PEAK Experience, participants arrive on campus a week early and take part in a week of activities designed to build connections, explore campus resources, and prepare for academic success. Students also explore the Four Corners region through field trips and shared experiences.

Throughout the academic year, NS2S participants continue meeting with mentors and attending events that support community building and academic success at FLC.

Who is encouraged to join

Native Skyway to Success is designed for:

Incoming first-year or transfer students who want to build community through an Indigenous perspective
Students interested in peer mentorship from NAC student leaders
Students who want to strengthen academic skills and learn about campus resources that support success at FLC

When: August 16 - 21, 2026
Where: Campus
Number of students: 40
Student cost: $50; financial assistance is available upon request.

NS2S students participate in a team-building activity

"NS2S gave me an amazing experience as well as a group of friends that will stick with me through my entire college life, I am so thankful to you guys for this amazing program."

Itinerary

Day 1: Move-in and team building

Participants move into their residence halls and settle into campus housing. In the afternoon, students are introduced to the Native American Center, meet their peer mentors, and participate in cultural team-building activities that begin building community. The evening includes dinner and time to explore campus spaces such as the Student Union and Student Life Center.

Day 2: Finding community and navigating campus

Students learn about the Diversity Collaborative and other resources at Fort Lewis College. Participants take a guided campus tour with peer mentors and take part in activities that help them feel confident navigating campus.

Days 3–4: Resources and connection

Participants meet with campus offices and programs such as the Center for Southwest Studies, WellPAC, the Counseling Center, Title IX, the Student Life Center, the Student Involvement Center, GRUB Hub, STEM programs, and Financial Aid. These sessions introduce students to the support systems available across campus.

Afternoons include cultural crafts, community-building activities, and opportunities to connect with Indigenous faculty and staff.

Day 4: Health and exploring Durango

Students learn about campus health services, including information from Indian Health Services. The group then travels to downtown Durango to explore the community and surrounding area. The evening concludes with a group dinner and a cultural activity.

Day 5: Exploring the Four Corners region

Participants travel to Ignacio to visit the Southern Ute Museum, the Cultural Center, and the Medical Center. Students also visit Sky Ute Casino Resort for bowling with peers and mentors.

Later, the group participates in rafting on the Animas River, building camaraderie through shared adventure and water teachings. The day ends with a celebration dinner.

Day 6: Reflection and preparing for the school year

The final day focuses on preparing students for orientation and the academic year ahead. Participants meet with peer mentors for guided reflection and goal setting. The program concludes with a blessing from a Tribal leader, sending students into the school year grounded in culture, community, and confidence.

Packing list