The 1994 Land Grant Institutions are Native American tribally controlled colleges and universities that were granted land-grant status under an Act of Congress in 1994. These colleges primarily serve Native American populations that are typically located in remote, underserved communities that lack access to higher education. Their missions include serving their constituents through higher education programs involving teaching, community outreach, and research. The 1994 Land Grant Institutions take special care to include cultural relevant curriculum and programs so that Native American students and communities can take pride in their cultural and historical identity.

USDA partners with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium to conduct programs and activities that will enhance the capability of Native Americans to attain educational excellence and to contribute positively to the fulfillment of the USDA's mission. This partnership is coordinated through USDA's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

USDA agencies work with the 1994 Land Grant Institutions through cooperative agreements, competitive grant programs, student internships and scholarships, and faculty development programs. The 1994 Land Grant Institutions participate in the higher education programs administered through the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). There are three competitive CSREES programs that are specifically available to the 1994 Land Grant Institutions. Application and award requirements for these programs are announced by CSREES. Current information can be found at the CSREES Web site.

Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program
This grants program is designed to promote and strengthen higher education instruction in the food and agricultural sciences at the 33 tribal colleges and universities designated as 1994 Land-Grant Institutions in the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, as amended. Plans of Work focus on undergraduate and/or graduate studies in the food and agricultural sciences in one or more of the following areas: Curricula Design and Materials Development, Faculty Development and Preparation for Teaching, Instruction Delivery Systems, Student Experiential Learning, Equipment and Instrumentation for Teaching, or Student Recruitment and Retention.

Tribal Colleges Extension Services Program
The Tribal Colleges Extension Services Program provides funding to increase Extension Program capacity at the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, address special needs, take advantage of important opportunities, and/or demonstrate long-term sustained benefits of Extension projects at the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions. Awards will be made to support one or more of the following Extension Program areas: Agriculture; Community Resources and Economic Development; Family Development and Resource Management; 4-H and Youth Development; Leadership and Volunteer Development; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; and Nutrition, Diet and Health.

Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program
This program was initiated to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions to conduct agricultural research that address high priority concerns of tribal, national, or multi-state significance. Grants support investigative and analytical studies in the food and agricultural sciences. 1994 institutions may propose projects in any discipline(s) of the food and agricultural sciences. There are no limits on the specific subject matter/emphasis areas to be supported.

For more information about the USDA 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) Programs, contact:

USDA/AIHEC Liaison
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250 Mail Stop 9473
Telephone: (202) 720-4679
usdaoutreach@usda.gov