Tribal colleges and universities facts for kids
In the United States, Tribal Colleges and Universities (often called TCUs) are special colleges. They are designed to help American Indian tribes. These colleges are run by the tribes themselves. They help pass on Native cultures and provide higher education.
The first tribal college was started by the Navajo Nation in 1968. Many more were created in the 1970s. Since 1994, the U.S. Congress has recognized them as land-grant colleges. This means they get special support, similar to other important universities. As of 2018, there are 32 fully approved TCUs in the United States.
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History of Tribal Colleges
The idea for tribal colleges grew from the Native American "self-determination" movement in the 1960s. Tribes wanted more control over their children's education. They also wanted to teach their culture and help students learn skills for jobs. Many TCUs are built on or near Indian reservations. They offer college degrees and job training for both Native and non-Native students in rural areas.
The very first tribal college was Navajo Community College. It is now called Diné College. It opened in Tsaile, Arizona, in 1968. It became fully approved in 1979. At first, there were different ideas about how these colleges should work. Some thought they should be like regular colleges. Others believed they should focus strongly on the tribe's history and culture.
Since the 1970s, most tribes have added their Native culture and traditions into their school programs. These colleges often face challenges. It can be hard to find and keep students and teachers. This is because they are sometimes in isolated areas. Also, they might not have enough money. However, some Native American nations have used money from casino gambling to help build their schools.
Enrollment at tribal colleges has grown a lot. In 1982, about 2,100 students attended TCUs. By 2003, this number jumped to 30,000! This growth also shows that many American Indians are returning to their reservations. Since the 1990s, focusing more on culturally relevant education has also helped more students join.
Most tribal colleges offer two-year degrees. However, six of them offer four-year degrees, and three have master's degree programs. Some colleges, like the College of Menominee Nation, have agreements with state universities. This allows students to easily transfer their credits after two years.
In 2011, President Barack Obama signed an order to help improve education for American Indian and Alaska Native students. This order aimed to reduce dropout rates and help students succeed. It also worked to save and bring back Native languages.
As of 2013, Montana is the only state where every Indian reservation has a fully approved tribal college. The University of Montana was the first to make agreements with all tribal colleges. This made it easier for students to transfer. Montana also passed a law to teach American Indian history and culture in public schools.
Research at Tribal Colleges
Supporting Teachers
In 2017, some researchers studied what teachers at TCUs needed. They found that teachers were most concerned about their workload and low pay. Tribal colleges often get money only from the federal government. They are not supported by local taxes. This can lead to less funding. This lack of money and lower salaries can make it hard to keep experienced teachers.
The researchers also found that non-Native American teachers had more trouble learning about Native American culture. They suggested that training should help these teachers understand Native American culture better. This would help them serve their students more effectively.
The Power of Mentorship
Research at Chief Dull Knife College found that Native American students really benefit from special mentoring and support. Students who worked on research projects with a mentor felt much better about themselves and their abilities.
After being mentored, students believed they could use science in their future studies and jobs. They even completed advanced science courses, even if they had struggled before. Most importantly, they saw their strengths and changed how they thought about their future. This research showed that working with mentors helped students do better in math and science. It also made them more confident and more likely to pursue four-year degrees.
Saving Native Languages
As fewer people speak Native languages, TCUs play a big role in keeping them alive. Many TCUs offer Native language classes. Some are even starting programs for younger children. These programs are seeing small successes. For example, more greetings on campus are now happening in Native languages. Some programs connect children with elders. They also help parents learn the language. TCUs are truly helping to spark this important movement.
Working Together: Affiliations
In 1973, the first six tribal colleges created the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). This group helps support tribal colleges and works to influence government policies. Today, AIHEC includes 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Each of these colleges was started by its own tribal government. Their goal is to offer higher education that is local, culturally based, and supportive for American Indians. Through AIHEC, the colleges work together. They get help in important areas, connect with other groups, and plan new projects. AIHEC helps lead and shape policies for Native American higher education. It also promotes and strengthens Indigenous languages, cultures, and communities.
Special Programs
The Tribal Earth Science & Technology Education (TRESTE) program is funded by NASA. It brings together nine tribal colleges and other research groups. TRESTE helps students learn about Earth system science and geospatial topics. It uses hands-on teaching to inspire students for careers in science and engineering.
Another important program is the Tribal College Librarians Institute (TCLI). It started in 1989. Librarians from Montana State University Library created a workshop for librarians at Montana's tribal colleges. Over time, TCLI grew to include librarians from other states.
TCLI helps librarians at tribal colleges learn new skills. It also gives them a chance to meet and share ideas. The program helps provide money for librarians to travel to the institute. Many librarians see TCLI as a very important meeting each year. It helps them address their unique needs.
Scholarships for Students
The American Indian College Fund helps students at tribal colleges. It provides scholarships to thousands of American Indian students every year. This fund is the largest and highest-rated American Indian nonprofit group in the United States. It helps more Native Americans earn college degrees.
Other scholarship programs are also available. Some are for specific tribes or areas. For example, there are scholarships for Alaskan Natives. The Native American Journalists Association also offers scholarships and internships for American Indian students studying journalism.
Interestingly, University College Cork, a university in Ireland, offers scholarships to members of the Choctaw tribe. This is to remember a kind donation the Choctaw people gave to the Irish people during the Great Famine in the mid-1800s.
Important Rules and Laws
There are special rules and laws that guide how tribal colleges work. These are called Executive Orders.
- Executive Order 13021: Tribal Colleges and Universities
Signed by President Clinton in 1996, this order helps make sure tribal colleges are recognized as real colleges. It helps them get the same chances as other schools. It also aims to: * Help tribal colleges get federal money. * Provide good education for students who might not have a lot of money. * Help save and bring back American Indian and Alaska Native languages and cultures. * Connect tribal colleges with programs for younger students. * Support national education goals.
- Executive Order 13096: American Indian and Alaska Native Education
Signed by President Clinton in 1998, this order says the U.S. government has a special duty to educate American Indian and Alaska Native students. It aims to: * Improve reading and math skills. * Increase the number of students who finish high school and go to college. * Reduce problems like poverty that make education hard. * Create safe schools. * Improve science education. * Use more technology in schools.
These orders help the government work with tribes to improve education. They aim to create a long-term plan for Native American education.
Tribal Colleges in Other Countries
In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are similar universities called wānanga. They serve the Māori community. Some, like Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, even offer degrees up to a doctoral level.
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