Grant Given to Washoe County School District to Assist Native American Children

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) – The Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education, recently granted the Washoe County School District (WCSD) a grant total of $3,772,500 to help Native American students.

According to WCSD officials, the Native Youth Community Project Grant funds will support and enable evidence-based professional learning opportunities, ensuring local Native American kids are prepared for college and employment. The funds will go toward mentorship programs and college visits for Native American kids in grades six through twelve.

The cash for the Native Youth Community Project Grant will be distributed over a five-year period.

“All of us who work in the WCSD Native American Culture & Education Program are excited and proud to receive this grant that will provide tremendous support to our students,” said Fawn Hunter, MPA, Indian Education Program Specialist for WCSD Family-School Partnerships. “We are eager to provide more resources and tools for our Native American students to pursue their dreams of college and careers. This grant funding will allow us to expand our program and provide that vital support. We have created six positions on our staff to support our students in their educational endeavors, and we cannot wait to expand our services for these deserving students.”

According to officials, the funds would be used to achieve three immediate goals:

• Putting in place a successful Native Youth Community Project that promotes and prepares Native American youth for college and professions, with a focus on vocations in education.
• Increasing student academic success by adding Native American student support opportunities in the local community.
• Increasing the motivation and readiness of Native American students to attend college or vocational training.