Indian Education Grants to Local Educational Agencies

To address (1) the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of Indian students, so that these students can meet the challenging state performance standards expected of all students, (2) to ensure that Indian students gain knowledge an

To address (1) the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of Indian students, so that these students can meet the challenging state performance standards expected of all students, (2) to ensure that Indian students gain knowledge and understanding of Native communities, languages, Tribal histories, traditions, and cultures; and (3) to ensure that teachers, principals, other school leaders and other staff who serve Indian students have the ability to provide culturally appropriate and effective instruction. This program is the Department's principal vehicle for addressing the particular needs of Indian children.

Local educational agencies (LEAs) that enroll at least 10 Indian children or in which Indians constitute at least 25 percent of the total enrollment. These requirements do not apply to LEAs serving Indian children in Alaska, California, and Oklahoma or located on, or in proximity to, an Indian reservation. Schools that receive funding from the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) under Section 1130 of the Education Amendments of 1978, 25 U.S.C. 2001, are eligible to participate in this program. If an eligible LEA does not apply, an Indian tribe or an Indian organization that makes up at least half of the LEAs' Indian students may apply in lieu of the LEA. If no eligible LEA or Indian tribe or Indian organization applies for a grant, an Indian community-based organization may apply.

Eligible Indian children enrolled in eligible local educational agencies, BIE-funded schools, Indian organizations, and Indian Community Based Organizations.

Grants supplement the regular school program, helping Indian children sharpen their academic skills, assisting students in becoming proficient in the core content areas, and providing students an opportunity to participate in enrichment programs that would otherwise be unavailable. Funds support such activities as Native American language programs, after-school programs, tutoring, and dropout prevention. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202) 708-7770.

Grants are awarded for up to 12 months and funds must be spent or obligated within the project period. Payments are made by direct deposit upon request by LEAs.

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Criteria are contained in EDGAR; contact the program office for additional information.

Awards are issued annually directly to the applicant. Awards are made to all applicants that meet the applicable requirements of the Act and that have designed a project that meets the statutory requirements.

Approximately 160 days.