Statistics regarding Native American youth in 2015 are bleak. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native youth aged 15-24. Natives have the lowest high school graduation rate out of every ethnic group in the country and some of the lowest standardized test scores. Rates of poverty are high.

But despite these challenges, Native American youth feel tremendous hope for the future.

The Huffington Post recently partnered with United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), a national network of Native youth, for an exclusive survey of Native Americans aged 18 to 24. Nearly 40 percent of the Native population is under the age of 24, compared to 33 percent of the general population. The survey -- which had 65 participants -- sought to learn more about the day-to-day lives and educational experiences of a population that faces many misperceptions. We followed up with nearly a dozen of the survey respondents for longer interviews.

Some responses were unexpected and uplifting. Many participants said they have no doubt that they will overcome challenges and find success. They have faith that if they work hard and stay focused, they can be greater than their circumstances. Many are optimistic about their lives and the future of their people.

Other responses were unsurprising. Many Natives said they are rarely afforded the luxury of seeing their experiences accurately depicted in popular culture, school curriculum or national policy. They regularly face misunderstandings about their culture and history. Some have been bullied by teachers and classmates who view them more as nothing more than stereotypes.

The survey responses we received reflect the voices of a self-selecting group that is already involved in UNITY programming and thus likely to have a strong support group of Native peers. They are a diverse group, more female than male, from many different tribes and places. They are not representative of Native youth at large, but reflect a small slice of the Native American youth experience.

Below are some themes that emerged from their stories.

Native American Youth Are Optimistic About The Future