New Beginning for Tribal Students Program

The New Beginning for Tribal Students makes competitive grants to land-grant colleges and universities to provide identifiable support specifically targeted for Tribal students. A land-grant college or university that receives this grant will use funds for, but not limited to, support of Tribal students for articulation agreements with 1994’s; dual credit programs; recruiting; tuition and related fees; experiential learning; student services, including tutoring; counseling; academic advising; and other student services that would increase the retention and graduation rate of Tribal students enrolled at the land-grant college or university, as determined by the Secretary. The maximum one state can receive is $500,000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the NBTS must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3222e, the Secretary is authorized to make competitive grants to land-grant colleges or universities which includes 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)) to provide support targeted at tribal students. Land-grant colleges and universities include 1862, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions. For full listing, please see Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Tribal student is defined in this legislation as a student at a land-grant college or university that is a member of an Indian tribe as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C 5304). The maximum amount allowable per state is $500,000 per year.