The Future Stewards Initiative provides the critical relationships, pathways and infrastructure whereby RIT is the preferred and supported institution of choice for Domestic Governments and communities to send their best and brightest students to be educated in a way that empowers, engages, embodies, and serves both traditional and contemporary need. With the support of tribal communities and the creation of an enhanced learning environment, the FSI Initiative seeks to improve the educational experience for all RIT students and faculty.

FSI provides an on-campus support infrastructure and a connection to tribal nations. Scholars wishing to participate in FSI are encouraged to pursue degrees in areas that are in high demand among Native American/Alaska Native tribes and First Nations of Canada. Degree programs include business, engineering, technology, environmental sciences, hospitality and service management, medical sciences, and others. In many cases FSI scholars are sponsored by their tribal nation to pursue degrees of high demand.