Blackfeet National Bank worked out a partnership relationship with Washington County Bank in the St. Paul, Minnesota, area. Blackfeet National Bank was the lead bank on the loan, which is supported with a 90 percent guaranteed loan from USDA Rural Development. Blackfeet National Bank board of director’s chairperson, Elouise Cobell, would like to see other organizations take advantage of USDA guaranteed loans. Cobell also stated that Blackfeet National Bank is proud to have been able to assist BCC in this endeavor, "It’s really enjoyable to be able to participate in BCC’s expansion. BCC is a vital institution in this community. The more we support continuing education, the more enhanced our community will become."

It’s by far the tribal college’s biggest expansion and will double the amount of floor space that the facility and students must now squeeze into in the 12 smaller buildings that dot the tiny campus. Enrollment at the college is approximately 500 students.

"It’s an exciting time. Now we won’t have to worry about whether we have room for a class or where we can have a class," BCC President Carol Murray said. "Our students began to feel they were getting second-rate service. We want to give them a first-rate facility." College officials hope the building will enable them to begin seriously considering expanding course offerings, becoming a four-year college, and adding extracurricular opportunities with a gym and cultural center. For now, instructors and students will be happy not having to crowd into small classrooms and compete for office space.

Blackfeet Community College is one of 31 tribal colleges in the United States and 1 of 7 in Montana. Formed in 1974 by the Blackfeet tribe, the college became an independent institution in 1979 and was fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges in 1985.