Goals
The Center of Advanced Studies of Sonora aims to increase higher education opportunities for the indigenous populations of the state of Sonora. To achieve this mission, the University’s Pathways program is focused on improving or developing:

• Accessibility, retention and graduation rates of indigenous students
• Admissions policies for indigenous students
• Academic performance of marginalized students
• Awareness of the Mayo culture

Target Population
The State of Sonora is located in northwestern Mexico and is the second largest in the country. The state has a population of over 3 million inhabitants with eight ethnic groups. The Center of Advanced Studies of Sonora provides assistance to members of the Mayo ethnic group, as well as students from the communities of Huatabampo, Etchojoa, Basconcobe, Buaysiacobe, Agua Blanco, Bacame, Paredón Colorado, Paredoncito, Batevito, Zona Urbana and Villa Juarez.

Outcomes
Through the Pathways program, the University has:

• Created a mechanism to identify and generate statistics about students from indigenous communities to determine the appropriate candidates for the Pathways program
• Waived the enrollment fee for indigenous students
• Organized and held national meetings that promote cultural preservation, community development and academic exchanges
• Provided remedial courses, academic counseling and tutorials to Pathways students