INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Title VII Projects
Title VII Indian Education programs are funded through the Indian Education Act which was instituted in 1972 in recognition of the special educational and culturally related academic needs of Indian and Alaskan Native students. The Office of Education, U.S. Department of Education, administers programs funded by the Act. Grants are made through the department's Office of Indian Education to local educational agencies, tribal and Indian controlled schools, state educational agencies, institutions of higher education and Indian tribes, organizations and institutions. Grants are awarded on an entitlement or a competitive basis. These grant-funded projects are designed to improve educational opportunities for Indians and Alaskan Natives and to support the goal of self- determination for Indian communities. An elected parent committee in each school district helps identify those needs and how to best meet them.
Johnson O'Malley Programs
JOM programs are funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to supplement education services. Indian children who are members of a federally recognized Tribe, are eligible for JOM services. JOM programs are designed to improve educational opportunities for Indian students.
Title VII and JOM programs differ in the eligibility requirements: JOM programs serve students from federally recognized tribes, who have a CDIB card, for the purpose of supplemental educational activities. Title VII programs serve students as well. Title VII eligibility is a self-identification of Indian heritage and blood degree or federal status of the Tribe is not considered in determining eligibility.