The grants are awarded to the Native American Language Resource Centers (NALRC) program, the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI), and the State Tribal Education Partnership program.
The grants are awarded to the Native American Language Resource Centers (NALRC) program, the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI), and the State Tribal Education Partnership program.
The United States Department of Education has announced grants exceeding $11 million for key programs aimed at preserving native languages, retaining native teachers, and supporting tribal educational agencies.
The grants are awarded to the Native American Language Resource Centers (NALRC) program, the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI), and the State Tribal Education Partnership program, according to a press release.
These endeavors collectively aim to invigorate Native American languages in educational institutions, support Native American educators, and facilitate the seamless coordination of grant resources among Tribal Educational Agencies in collaboration with state and local partners.
“[Our efforts] must include strengthening and revitalizing Native languages and supporting the recruitment, retention, leadership, and empowerment of Native American educators,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.
Learning opportunities
He said these grants will enhance learning opportunities for Native American students, promote cultural affirmation, and contribute to academic success.
The NALRC program will support the preservation and use of Native American languages in classrooms across the US. It will fund centers in three regions (Central, Northwest, and West) and a national center to assist in resource development, research dissemination, leadership development, and immersive learning experiences.
NATRI aims to address the shortage of Native American educators. It will create opportunities for native teachers to take on leadership roles in their schools, focusing on culturally appropriate instruction and support.
The STEP program, funded with $1.6 million, supports projects promoting tribal self-determination, coordination among educational agencies, and meeting the unique needs of Native students. Funded projects will include measures like facilitating cross-agency data-sharing agreements, culturally responsive Native American student identification, and driving systemic changes in areas related to college readiness, workforce development, and family engagement.
