Approximately 100 high school and college students are expected to attend a summit designed for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in South King County. Organizers are hoping to encourage youth from all area tribes to participate, especially Muckleshoot and Puyallup.

The Native Student Success Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Highline College’s main campus. For high school students, the event ends at 1 p.m. so they can return to school. For those able to stay, a new session has been added from 1 to 2 p.m.

It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Designed to inspire and empower students to be successful in higher education and beyond, the summit is a collaboration between Highline Public Schools and Highline College. Registration materials, agenda and list of speakers are available on the Native Student Success Summit webpage.

The summit will include breakout sessions and keynote speakers Calina Lawrence (Suquamish) and Damen-Bell-Holter (Haida).

Participating as presenters and organizers are Native educators, professionals and community leaders from the school districts of Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Renton and Seattle; Green River College; and Seattle Indian Health Board.

Transportation assistance for school districts is available. For more information, contact Dr. Tanya Powers: tpowers@highline.edu, 206-592-3662; or Sara Marie Ortiz: sara.ortiz@highlineschools.org, 206-631-3162.

Highline College is midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines.