"In the fall 2007 semester, there were 106 Native students at NMHU. In spring 2008, the number dropped to 92. That meant 14 Native students did not return," Diverse Issues in Higher Education reports. "Retention of students in institutions is key when working with Native students, [Whitney] Laughlin said, who mentioned some of their challenges to staying in school: They're so used to home and their traditions, and when they step off their land, they are singled out. With College Horizons, Laughlin and various institution directors learn from Natives about what Native students need and about their culture. In this program everyone learns."