Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program

The Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program (MITTP) provides scholarships to American Indian students who are pursuing any pre-K through grade 12 career in an educational setting. In addition to teaching degrees, other eligible academic programs include, but are not limited to, American Indian language and culture educators, early childhood educators, counseling or mental health services, paraprofessional services, administration, school healthcare and social work. 
 
This program is currently offered at six universities and colleges and is a partnership between postsecondary institutions and school districts, and it provides collaboration and support for aspiring American Indian education professionals. Scholarship funding is granted to applicants who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, or a first- or second-degree descendant of an enrolled member.
 
To learn more about the statute that guides this valuable joint grant program, see Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.63 Grants to Prepare Indian Teachers. 

Prospective Students

Prospective students who are interested in applying for the Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program must meet the following eligibility. Applicants must:
  • Be accepted into or currently attending one of the following participating, postsecondary institutions: 
    • Augsburg University
    • Bemidji State University
    • Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
    • Moorhead State University
    • St. Cloud State University
    • University of Minnesota, Duluth.
  • Be pursuing a pre-K through grade 12 career in an educational setting.
  • Have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Meet the requirements of their attending institution.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Priority is given to students who are enrolled tribal members, and then to first- and second-generation descendants. Students who have applied for the Minnesota Indian Scholarship through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education are strongly encouraged to also apply for the MITTP.

To learn more about the submission process, please reach out to the applicable college or university of attendance.

Augsburg University: Jamie Randall, 612-330-1144
Bemidji State University: Chrissy Koch, 218-755-2141
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College: Sara Montgomery, 218-879-0859
Moorhead State University: Jessica Swedberg, 218-477-2084
St. Cloud State University: Barb Miller, 320-308-5447
University of Minnesota Duluth: Heidi Labyad, 218-726-8378

Prospective Postsecondary Institutions

Postsecondary institutions that are interested in participating in the Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program must fill out a joint grant application. The joint grant application is a collaboration between a postsecondary institution and a public school district.

Current joint grantees include:

  • Augsburg University | Minneapolis Public Schools and Saint Paul Public Schools
  • Bemidji State University | Red Lake School District
  • Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College | Fond du Lac Ojibwe School
  • Moorhead State University | Waubun-Ogema-White Earth
  • St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud Area Schools
  • University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth Public Schools

Joint grant opportunities are offered annually, as funds are available, to higher education institutions offering programs that support careers or certifications needed to work in a pre-K through grade 12 educational setting.

The joint grant application submission window changes annually due to the Minnesota Legislature biennium budget session. During policy sessions (even years), the application window will open in late January and close in March. During budget sessions (odd years), the application window will open immediately after the legislative session closes in May.