Vilsack Announces Investments in Tribal Land-Grant Institutions

By CnAgri2012-10-25 19:45:47 Print

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 21 projects in eight states have been funded through the Tribal College Initiative Grant program to make campus improvements, provide outreach and educational offerings. Janie Hipp, Senior Advisor to the Secretary made the announcement on the Secretary's behalf while attending the National Congress of American Indians Annual Conference.

"Investing in tribal educational facilities is crucial to increasing economic opportunity in tribal communities," Hipp said. "These institutions will use the funds to improve educational offerings and that will pay dividends for generations to come."

The USDA Rural Development Tribal College Grant program provides land-grant institutions with funds for outreach and education services to help meet the needs of Native American communities. The $3.3 million in grants announced today will help tribal colleges finance infrastructure improvements, purchase equipment and develop essential community facilities.