Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The New Beginning for Tribal Students Grant Program provides funding to improve the retention and graduation rates of Tribal students attending 1994, 1862, and 1890 Land-grant Institutions in the United States. The program supports student success services, educational opportunities, and workforce development initiatives connected to agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.
The initiative aims to strengthen educational access and success for Tribal students while helping institutions develop skilled professionals for careers and graduate education in agriculture and related fields.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase Tribal student retention and graduation rates
- Support recruitment and academic success initiatives
- Improve access to higher education opportunities
- Develop workforce skills in agriculture and related sectors
- Strengthen student services and academic support systems
- Prepare students for technical careers and graduate programs
Supported Activities
Funding may support:
- Tribal student recruitment programs
- Tuition and related educational fees
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Academic tutoring and mentoring
- Counseling and wellness support
- Academic advising services
- Career preparation and workforce development
- Education projects related to agriculture and natural resources
- Student support services that improve retention and graduation outcomes
Funding Details
- Estimated total program funding: $5,000,000
Standard Grants
- Maximum funding: Up to $250,000
- Includes indirect costs
- Projects are implemented independently without mandatory fund-sharing with partners
Collaborative Grant Type 1
- Maximum funding: Up to $500,000
- Projects involve collaboration with one eligible partner
Minimum Funding
- Minimum award amount: $250,000
Project Duration
- Maximum project period: 4 years or 48 months
Collaborative Grant Partners
Collaborative Grant Type 1 projects may partner with:
- 1994 Land-grant Institutions
- Non-land-grant Tribal colleges
- High schools
- Tribal Governments
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Organizations supporting Tribal students
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- 1862 Land-grant Colleges and Universities
- 1890 Land-grant Colleges and Universities
- 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities
Applicants must meet all requirements listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Participant Eligibility
Only the following individuals are eligible to apply for and receive awards under the program:
- United States citizens
- Non-citizen nationals of the United States
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States
How to Apply
- Identify institutional needs related to Tribal student retention and graduation
- Develop a project plan with measurable educational outcomes
- Choose either the Standard Grant or Collaborative Grant Type 1 category
- Prepare a detailed budget and implementation timeline
- Include partnership details for collaborative projects if applicable
- Demonstrate alignment with agriculture, natural resources, or human sciences education goals
- Submit the application according to NOFO guidelines before the deadline
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Potential to improve Tribal student success
- Quality of student support services
- Institutional capacity and project planning
- Relevance to agriculture and workforce development
- Collaboration and partnership strength
- Budget justification and financial feasibility
- Measurable outcomes and long-term impact
Why This Program Matters
The program helps:
- Increase educational opportunities for Tribal students
- Strengthen diversity in agricultural and scientific fields
- Support workforce development in rural and Tribal communities
- Improve graduation and career outcomes
- Expand access to academic and career support services
- Build long-term institutional support systems for Tribal education
Tips for Strong Applications
- Clearly define student needs and retention challenges
- Include measurable academic and graduation goals
- Demonstrate strong institutional support and capacity
- Highlight culturally responsive student services
- Build effective partnerships for collaborative projects
- Provide realistic budgets and implementation plans
FAQ
What is the purpose of the New Beginning for Tribal Students Grant Program?
The program supports initiatives that improve retention and graduation rates for Tribal students at eligible Land-grant Institutions.
Who can apply for the program?
Eligible applicants are 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities.
What types of grants are available?
Applicants may apply for either Standard Grants or Collaborative Grant Type 1 projects.
How much funding is available?
Standard Grants provide up to $250,000, while Collaborative Grant Type 1 projects may receive up to $500,000.
What activities are supported?
The program supports tutoring, counseling, recruitment, experiential learning, academic advising, tuition assistance, and workforce development initiatives.
Can collaborative projects include external partners?
Yes, collaborative projects may include Tribal colleges, schools, Tribal Governments, technical schools, and organizations supporting Tribal students.
Conclusion
The New Beginning for Tribal Students Grant Program supports Tribal student success through education, academic support, workforce development, and institutional collaboration. By funding student-centered initiatives at Land-grant Institutions, the program helps improve graduation outcomes and strengthen pathways into agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences careers in the United States.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.