University of Mary receives $1.74 million federal grant for Native graduate students

The University of Mary has received a $1.74 million federal grant to support Native American graduate students, according to a university statement. The funding, provided by the Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education, covers master’s degrees in school administration, special education and social work, as well as K-12 administration credentials, at no cost for eligible students.

The grant will provide $500,000 annually for the first three years and $120,000 annually for the final two years. Applicants must be tribal descendants or enrolled members of a tribe, meet admissions standards and commit to working in North Dakota schools where at least 11% of students are Native American. The University of Mary’s Native American Education Leadership Program has received five federal grants since 2016, totaling more than $7.1 million, and has supported over 120 Native American scholars, the university said.