Honoring traditions, empowering futures
Your home away from home
Mission
The AIRC is dedicated to supporting the needs of American Indian students and increasing Native visibility on campus by advocating student-centered programs, cultural events, and tools for academic success and well-being. The center serves as a vital link between American Indian students, the University, and tribal communities to foster growth through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and scholarly development. The AIRC also serves as a supportive space for students to help ease the transition from home to campus life.
Get Involved
The American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) is committed to supporting Native students and increasing Native visibility at UC Santa Cruz. Through student-centered programs, cultural events, and resources for academic success and well-being, the AIRC fosters connection, growth, and community. The center offers mentoring, leadership opportunities, and a welcoming space to ease the transition to campus life. While rooted in serving Native students, the AIRC is a space for all who are interested in learning, engaging, and building community. Learn how you can get involved and stay connected.
Resources
Find community, support, and opportunities through a curated collection of Native-focused resources. Connect with Native-led organizations offering essential services and advocacy, and explore scholarships and programs that help reduce financial barriers for Native students at UC Santa Cruz and across the UC system. While these resources center Native experiences, the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) is here to support and advocate for all students—whether you’re seeking cultural connection, academic support, or ways to get involved.
Thriving in Community: UCSC Native American Student Guide
Created in collaboration with the AIRC, UC Santa Cruz Admissions, and graphic designer Ray Rivera (Yaqui/Pima/Ventureño Chumash), this guide is a resource for Native students to learn more about annual events, student organizations, internships, scholarships, and more. It also features student testimonials and a list of Native faculty.
Upcoming events
Lunar New Year First Friday with Santa Cruz Mahjong Club
Honoring Our Relatives: Amah Mutsun Botanical Illustrations
Stay connected
UCSC Resource Centers: Working together to support all students
The American Indian Resource Center is part of a network of campus resource centers that work together to support all students. In collaboration with centers like AARCC, AA/PIRC, El Centro, Cantú Queer Center, and the Women’s Center we offer shared programs, resources, and spaces that celebrate identity, build community, and promote belonging. In addition to exploring our offerings, we encourage you to check out the many events, services, and opportunities provided by our partner centers across campus. UCSC resource centers are open to all students, and everyone is welcome.
African American Resource and Cultural Center
Connect with the African American Resource and Cultural Center for events, community, cultural support, and resources.
American Indian Resource Center
The AIRC supports American Indian students with programs, events, and tools for success, while connecting them with Native communities and UC Santa Cruz.
Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center
Explore support, community, and events focused on SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) and AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) cultures.
El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center
The Chicanx Latinx Resource Center serves as a hub of organized activities and resources that support Latiné student transition, retention, graduation, and academic advancement.
Lionel Cantú Queer Center
Get support and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. Find resources, community and join events for queer, trans, and non-binary individuals.
Women’s Center
The Women’s Center provides safe spaces, empowering events, basic needs, and other resources, striving to affirm the dignity and diversity of all women.
