American Indian Education Aid

Districts, charter schools and tribal schools that report an American Indian student count of 20 or more to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) are eligible to participate in the American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) program. This program uses the state American Indian student count along with a per-pupil funding formula to determine aid award estimates.
 
The intent of American Indian Education Aid is to enable districts and schools to scale up and enhance American Indian education programs and initiatives, or, in the case of  those newly eligible to receive aid, to build sustainable programs that are culturally and academically tailored to American Indian students.

Program Requirements

  • The district or school must have a minimum of 20 American Indian students on the October 1 MARSS reporting deadline.
  • The district or school must have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), or be working collaboratively with the Office of American Indian Education to form an AIPAC.
  • Districts and schools that were required to have an AIPAC in the previous school year must have completed annual compliance. 

How Are American Indian Student Counts Determined?

Districts and schools report their American Indian student counts directly to MDE, via their chosen reporting platform, on the October 1 MARSS reporting deadline. MDE uses the student count information reported on this date to determine participant eligibility for the subsequent school year. For example, students that are reported as American Indian on October 1, 2020 determine the eligible AIEA program participants in SY2021-22.

What Role Does the AIPAC Play in AIEA?

American Indian Parent Advisory Committees serve in an advisory role to the district, and help to ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. AIPACs are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide, and their presence, input, and knowledge is key to strengthening district and parent partnerships. For the AIPAC to make informed decisions, the district must afford the committee the information and data needed to make sound recommendations. This information includes, but is not limited to, testing data, attendance data, graduation rates, and student count information. In addition to this valuable work, the AIPAC and district must closely collaborate each spring on Annual Compliance (also known as the vote of concurrence or nonconcurrence). Annual compliance is a mid-year reflection point for the committee, and has its own unique requirements within state statutes.

How Are AIEA Estimates Calculated?

The American Indian Education Aid program uses the district or schools October 1 American Indian student count along with a per-pupil funding formula to determine estimated aid awards. Twenty American Indian students generate a base award of $20,000, and each American Indian student beyond that generates an additional $358. 

How to Apply

To participate in the American Indian Education Aid program, applicants must complete a budget worksheet, an application, and a committee roster. These required items must be submitted September 25–November 30, to: MDE.AIEA@state.mn.us.