Central ND News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has recently announced that it will be awarding $350,000 to Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC). These funds have been allocated to support the expansion of Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning curricula and outcomes at the college.

This exciting project was submitted by NHSC in collaboration with North Dakota State University, under the New Discovery focus of the Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program. This program aims to assist Tribal Colleges in enhancing their institutional research capacity by implementing applied projects that address student educational needs and tackle community, reservation, or regional challenges.

Senator Cramer, who has been a strong advocate for educational initiatives, expressed his delight at the news. He praised the partnership between NHSC and North Dakota State University, stating, "This collaboration between Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College and North Dakota State University is a wonderful example of how institutions can work together to further educational opportunities and address the unique needs of their communities."

The Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning curricula is an innovative approach that combines equine therapy with trauma-focused therapy to help individuals who have experienced trauma. By expanding this program, NHSC aims to provide a valuable resource for their students and the community.

NHSC President, Dr. Cheryl Kulas, emphasized the significance of this grant and its potential impact. She said, "This funding from NIFA will allow us to expand our Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning program, enabling us to reach more students and provide them with the support they need to overcome trauma. We are grateful for this opportunity and excited to see the positive outcomes it will bring."

The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program has been instrumental in supporting educational institutions like NHSC in their efforts to address the specific challenges faced by their communities. Through projects like this, tribal colleges can make a real difference in the lives of their students and the wider community.

The $350,000 grant awarded to NHSC by NIFA demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investing in educational initiatives that have a tangible impact. By supporting the expansion of the Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning curricula, NIFA is helping to create a brighter future for the students at NHSC and the community they serve.

As this exciting project gets underway, the students and faculty at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College can look forward to enhanced educational opportunities and a stronger community. With the support of NIFA and their collaborative partnership with North Dakota State University, NHSC is poised to thrive and continue making a difference in the lives of their students for years to come.