U.S. Department of Education Awards Over $35 Million to Alaska Native Education Program to Support Unique Experience of Alaska Native Students

Today, the U.S. Department of Education awarded 28 new three-year grants totaling $35.3 million through the Alaska Native Education (ANE) program. The ANE program recognizes the important roles that Alaska Native languages and cultures play in the educational success and long-term well-being of Alaska Native students. ANE grants were made to Alaska Native Organizations and entities in Alaska governed predominately by Alaska Natives. These grants support innovative projects that recognize and address the unique educational needs of Alaska Native children and adults.

This year’s projects include critical activities for successful school communities. The newly funded projects align with Secretary Cardona’s priorities and will help ensure an equitable recovery so all students can thrive.

“I am excited to announce 28 new Alaska Native Education program projects, which will help better meet the needs of Alaska Native students at this critical moment and continue to strengthen the relationship between the Department and Alaska Native Organizations,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Every Alaska Native student—in rural and remote villages, in regional hubs, and in urban centers—should have access to high-quality and culturally responsive educational opportunities. These projects help fulfill that obligation by supporting existing partnerships between students, families, schools, and Alaska Native Organizations.” 

Grantees under the ANE program use their funds for such activities as the development of curricula and education programs that address the education needs of Alaska Native students, and the development and operation of student enrichment programs in science and mathematics. Eligible activities also include training and professional development for educators, early childhood and parent outreach, and enrichment programs.

Under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Alaska Native Organizations and entities located in Alaska that are governed predominately by Alaska Natives received $85 million to support innovative projects that recognize and address the unique educational needs of Alaska Native children and adults. To ensure projects funded by the ARP and the new ANE program projects announced today are well supported, the U.S. Department of Education recently conducted Tribal Consultation asking for input on how, among other topics, the ANE program office can meaningfully improve reporting procedures, technical assistance, and peer reviewer recruitment. The input provided will be acted upon immediately, helping to ensure reporting burden is reduced and additional peer-to-peer learning opportunities are more readily available.

“I am proud to announce that 20 entities, including Alaska Native tribes and Native organizations, and Alaska Native-led schools and non-profits have received a total of 28 Alaska Native Educational Equity Program (ANEP) grants this year. I have long been a strong advocate for this program because these funds address many needs throughout Alaska, including academic and postsecondary success, language preservation, culturally relevant curriculum development, and teacher professional development in ways that maximize Native ways of knowing and learning,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “Alaska’s Native educators and leaders have a proven track record of providing culturally relevant supportive services that enable Alaska Native youth and adults to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. I am grateful to the many Alaska Native educators and tribal leaders who are committed to advancing the success of Alaska Native youth through the many innovative projects these grants will fund.”

More information about the ANE program can be found at here. Below are lists of new awards listed by grantee, project name, and award amount.

Alaska Native Education Program Awards (First year award amount)