The U.S. Department of Education unveiled a significant investment of more than $8 million in grant funding to enhance educational opportunities for Native American students.
This funding encompasses three competitive programs designed to uplift Native students by increasing access to Native American languages in schools, supporting Native American teachers and fostering collaboration between Tribal Educational Agencies and state and local partners, according to a June 12 news release.
"Our efforts to raise the bar for multilingual learners includes strengthening and revitalizing Native languages and the recruitment, retention and leadership of Native educators," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the release.
Under the Native American Language Resource Centers (NALRC) program, approximately $2.9 million will be allocated to establish new centers dedicated to preserving and safeguarding Native languages, the release reported. These centers will promote the use of Native American languages across all age groups, academic subjects and school types.
By aligning with the Native American Languages Act, the NALRC program aims to revitalize and reclaim Native American languages, providing a vital link to cultural heritage, the release said. Eligible entities for funding include institutions of higher education, entities specializing in Native American language and culture education and consortia encompassing these entities.
In addition, the Department of Education earmarked $2.75 million for the inaugural Native American Teacher Retention Initiative competition, according to the release. This initiative seeks to address the shortage of Native American educators and bolster their retention rates.
The NATRI competition will facilitate opportunities for Native teachers to assume leadership roles within their schools. Furthermore, it will support projects that enhance culturally appropriate instruction and support for Native American students, the release reported.
The competition prioritizes equipping educators with knowledge and understanding of Native communities, languages, Tribal histories, traditions and cultures. For instance, projects may focus on expanding culturally relevant family and community engagement to address the unique academic and socio-emotional needs of students, the release said.
Eligible entities for NATRI funding include state educational agencies, local educational agencies including charter schools, Indian Tribes, Indian organizations, federally supported elementary or secondary schools for Indian students and consortia, according to the release.
The department's recent announcement also includes $2.4 million in available funding for the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program. STEP grants empower projects that enhance Tribal self-determination and foster coordination and collaboration among Tribal, state and local educational agencies to meet the distinct requirements of Native students, the release said.
This program emphasizes cross-agency coordination, systemic change, community engagement and the importance of Tribal consultation, the release reported. Eligible entities for STEP funding comprise Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations approved by an Indian Tribe, as well as Tribal Educational Agencies or consortia.
