University of California schools to waive tuition and fees for Native American students

In a letter sent by system President Michael V. Drake to UC chancellors, Drake announced that all fees will be waived for both undergraduate and graduate students as part of the University of California school system's aim to make college more affordable for indigenous students.

This applies to "California residents who are members of federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes," according to the letter obtained by CNN.

"The University of California is committed to recognizing and acknowledging historical wrongs endured by Native Americans," Drake wrote. "I am hopeful that this new program will benefit our students and continue to position the University of California as the institution of choice for Native American students."

According to the letter, the initiative will be supported by a combination of state and university financial aid programs, as well as other resources.

Undergraduate students that identify as Native American ring in at only 0.8 percent and those that belong to native tribes enroll in higher education at 18.8 percent, which is half the national rate, according to data from the American Council on Education.