Central ND News

The University of Mary has received a $1.74 million federal grant from the Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education to support Native American graduate students. The funding, awarded through the university’s Native American Education Leadership Program (NAELP), will provide free master’s degrees and credentials in education, special education, and social work for eligible Native American scholars.

The grant will be distributed as $500,000 annually for the first three years and $120,000 annually for the final two years. It covers tuition costs for qualifying students pursuing a master’s in school administration, a master’s in special education, or the university’s new master’s in social work (MSW). Support is also available for K-12 administration credentials.

Applicants must be enrolled members of a tribe or tribal descendants, meet admissions standards at the University of Mary, and commit to working in a North Dakota K-12 school where at least 11% of students are Native American. They may receive assistance for either a full degree or credential program.

“This grant is life-changing for Native American students who dream of advancing their education,” said Dr. Carmelita Lamb, grant coordinator for the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Mary. “For many, the financial barrier is the biggest obstacle. Now, they have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree or credential at no cost and to bring their talents back into classrooms and communities where they are needed most.”

This is the fifth federal grant awarded to NAELP since 2016, bringing total funding above $7.1 million. More than 120 Native American scholars from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arizona have completed undergraduate and graduate programs with this support since then. Many graduates now hold leadership positions in schools serving reservations and urban Native communities.

“The Office of Indian Education has repeatedly entrusted Mary with these grants because we have demonstrated results,” said Dr. Matt Lonn, chair of Graduate Education at the University of Mary. “Native American students who complete this program become leaders—principals, superintendents, special education specialists, and now social workers—who transform the lives of children in Native schools and beyond.”

A new feature this year is that recipients can pursue an MSW through an expanded partnership between University of Mary, United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck, and Turtle Mountain College (TMC) in Belcourt. Students beginning with an associate degree at UTTC can continue on to earn bachelor’s degrees at Mary before entering its online MSW program; those already holding bachelor’s degrees may enroll directly into advanced study.

“Our new MSW program is deeply rooted in service and leadership, and this grant ensures that more Native students can become the social work professionals their communities need,” said Heidi Nieuwsma, chair of Social Work at University of Mary. “We’re honored to help expand access to graduate education and support the next generation of Native social work leaders.”

Applications are open now for January 2026 starts in special education or school administration master’s programs as well as non-degree K-12 administration credentials; applications for MSW begin September 2026.

“This grant is not just about degrees—it’s about creating opportunity and building futures,” said Dr. Brenda Tufte, associate dean of Education and Behavioral Science at University of Mary. “When Native scholars lead classrooms, schools, and community programs, Native children thrive. We are investing in future leaders who will serve with both professional excellence and cultural understanding.”