Federal Grant Award Summary

Sealaska Heritage Institute, Inc. received a $483,573 Project Grant award effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 from the Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Indian Education -- Special Programs for Indian Children program (CFDA 84.299). The Alaska Baby Raven Reads, Counts, and Play (ABC & P) Project implements sequenced dialogic reading using place-based children's books, curriculum, and participatory play to improve early literacy outcomes for Alaska Native students. This award supports the continuation and expansion of culturally responsive educational programming delivered through the nonprofit organization based in Juneau, Alaska, which serves Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian communities.

The project deliverables focus on developing and deploying evidence-based early literacy interventions integrated with Alaska Native cultural content and traditional knowledge. By leveraging place-based educational materials and interactive learning methodologies, the initiative addresses educational achievement gaps while preserving and perpetuating indigenous language and cultural practices among young learners in Southeast Alaska. The grant supports programming that combines academic skill-building with cultural revitalization objectives, aligning with the federal program's emphasis on innovative educational services designed specifically to benefit Native American and Alaska Native student populations.