American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Stored: American Indian Higher Education Consortium
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Indian Education |
| Top Organization | Department of the Interior |
| Creation Legislation | Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The American Indian Higher Education Consortium strengthens tribal colleges and universities to enhance Native American education and sovereignty. It aims to support academic programs and cultural preservation for American Indian and Alaska Native students. |
| Program Start | 1972 |
| Initial Funding | Congressional appropriations |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is a Department of the Interior initiative overseen by the Office of Indian Education that represents 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the United States, serving over 27,000 students from more than 250 federally recognized tribes and bolstering tribal sovereignty through higher education as of 2025. Founded in 1972 by tribal leaders and officially recognized with federal support in 1978, AIHEC has empowered 37 institutions—including two developing TCUs—across 14 states, securing over $2.5 billion in federal funding by 2025, with recent efforts like the 2024 Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and post-Hurricane Helene recovery support enhancing TCU resilience and student success.
Goals
- Enhance educational opportunities at tribal colleges for Native students.[1]
- Strengthen tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation through higher education.
- Secure funding and resources to support TCU academic and community programs.
Organization
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium was sponsored by the Office of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior, headquartered at 121 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, Virginia.[2] Funding came from Congressional appropriations, supporting a board of directors comprising TCU presidents, managing 35 accredited TCUs and 2 developing institutions across 14 states, collaborating with tribal nations, federal agencies like BIA, and over 2,000 partners, guided by AIHEC’s leadership and annual conferences.
The leader at the Department of the Interior level was the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, currently Bryan Newland (as of February 22, 2025), with AIHEC led by President and CEO Carrie L. Billy.
History
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium was established in 1972 by tribal leaders, gaining federal recognition under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, signed into law on October 17, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter.[3] It grew from six founding TCUs to 37 by 2025, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 with a commemorative blanket, securing over $2.5 billion in funding, and adapting with 2024’s broadband initiatives and 2025’s post-Helene recovery support for TCUs.
Funding
Initial funding in 1972 came from Congressional appropriations, with early amounts unspecified but supporting six TCUs.[4] Funding began in 1972 and continues, with FY 2025 estimates at $108 million within DOI’s TCU budget, supporting over 27,000 students, with no end date as appropriations sustain efforts like 2025’s $5 million for infrastructure resilience.
Implementation
The program was implemented by advocating for TCUs, securing federal funds, and providing technical assistance, accreditation support, and student programs across 14 states.[5] It operates continuously with no end date, enhancing over 37 institutions, with 2025 efforts bolstering post-Helene recovery and broadband connectivity for Native education.
Related
External links
- https://www.aihec.org/
- https://www.bia.gov/service/tribal-colleges-and-universities - BIA TCU Overview
- https://www.doi.gov/ - Department of the Interior Overview
- wikipedia:American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Social Media
References
- ↑ "AIHEC Mission," American Indian Higher Education Consortium, https://www.aihec.org/who-we-are/mission.htm, accessed February 22, 2025.
- ↑ "AIHEC Contact," American Indian Higher Education Consortium, https://www.aihec.org/who-we-are/contact.htm, accessed February 22, 2025.
- ↑ "AIHEC History," American Indian Higher Education Consortium, https://www.aihec.org/who-we-are/history.htm, accessed February 22, 2025.
- ↑ "AIHEC Funding," American Indian Higher Education Consortium, https://www.aihec.org/what-we-do/funding.htm, accessed February 22, 2025.
- ↑ "AIHEC Programs," American Indian Higher Education Consortium, https://www.aihec.org/what-we-do/programs.htm, accessed February 22, 2025.