Stone Child receives grant for higher degree seekers

Press release

Stone Child College on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation has recently been awarded a professional development grant from the U.S. Office of Indian Education to provide financial support to any enrolled tribal members who are seeking a bachelor’s or graduate degree in education.

The purpose of the program is to address and help alleviate shortages in Native American teaching staff in schools with significant Native American student populations. Training teachers who are responsive to the socio-cultural background of American Indian students and those who can minimize the difference between home and school culture will be highly effective in teaching American Indian students, and ultimately in helping students achieve proficiency in meeting rigorous academic standards.

Research clearly shows that Native American students are more likely to achieve academic proficiency if their teachers come from a similar background as they do.

The program will include mentoring, counseling, and liaison services as well as an induction phase which will take place during the fourth year of the project. Interested individuals must be at least a sophomore in college. A signed service obligation agreement will be required from each award recipient. Preference will be given to students who have graduated from SCC with an associate degree in teaching in the last five years.

Contact Project Coordinator Susie Sutherland for more information and application packets via email at [email protected] or by phone at 395-4313.