Eligibility
Student Eligibility
Tacoma's Indian Education Program meets the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) so that these students can achieve to the same challenging state standards as all students. The Indian Education Program is committed to connecting families of Native American students with culture, community and education.
The Program is federally funded as part of civil rights legislation and treaty guarantees through the Office of Indian Education in Washington D.C. specifically for United States recognized Tribes.
Any Tacoma Public School child meeting the following:
Indian means an individual who is:
- A member of an Indian Tribe or Band, as membership is defined by the Indian Tribe or Band, including any Tribe or Band terminated since 1940, and any Tribe or Band recognized by the State in which the Tribe or Band resides
- A descendant of a parent or grandparent who meets the requirements described in paragraph (1) of this definition
- Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose
- An Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native; or
- A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect on October 19, 1994.
*United States Federally Recognized Tribes Only
- Must have a fully completed Title VI Student Eligibility 506 Form on file with Tacoma Public Schools Indian Education Office. You can also find this form at your child’s school or the Indian Education Office.
- Student must be enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools
Parent/Guardian Membership Benefits
- Involvement in planning program goals and activities
- Increased knowledge of district policies & procedures
- Increased involvement in children’s education
- Networking with local organizations serving AI/AN students and families
- Virtual Parent Advisory Committee Meetings
Program Services and Benefits
- High School credit recovery and support
- Annual High School Graduation Event
- Annual Pow-wow in partnership with Tacoma Community College pending CDC guidelines
- Connection to Community resource programs
- Community service learning
- Virtual higher education resources
- Facilitation of communication with schools, students, and families
- Opportunity for personal growth and leadership development
Program Objectives
- Address the culturally related academic needs of AI/AN students.
- Extended program support with academic, lab, sports and school fees, will be for qualified AI/AN students reviewed based on free / reduced lunch status as the priority.
- Improve cultural awareness and self-esteem among program students
- Increase the number of AI/AN students successfully completing and graduating from high school.
- Share area cultural activities schedule to increase student knowledge and awareness of heritage and community opportunities
- Provide support and guidance for school staff in the selection of curriculum using American Indian and Alaskan Native literature
- Provide assistance and materials to school staff to ensure the accuracy of American Indian and Alaskan Native history