The Northeastern California Preparation and Retention of Indian Educators (NorCAL PRIE)

U.S. Department of Education Awards Chico State More Than $1.2 Million to Improve Indian Education and Professional Development

In a competitive grant process, the School of Education at California State University Chico, in partnership with Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians, Tyme Maidu Tribe-Berry Creek Rancheria, Enterprise Rancheria Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Four Winds of Indian Education, Inc has been awarded one of 22 national grants to improve educational opportunities and achievement for American Indian children.  This project provides professional development for individuals of American Indian descent who serve in the education field. "Reforming Native education has never been more important," Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "To do what is best for Native students, we must collaborate with people who know the students and communities. These grants will help schools offer more opportunities for students and provide training and support to educators and others in the communities that are serving the students."

In support of this reform effort, CSU, Chico’s project, The Northeastern California Preparation and Retention of Indian Educators (NorCAL PRIE) has been awarded a total of $1,247,923 million to recruit, prepare, and support 20 American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals pursuing teaching or administrative careers in education.  NorCAL PRIE program faculty, in collaboration with the 5 regional tribal partners, will allocate this funding to serve the vast northeastern California rural region that experiences chronic shortages of American Indian personnel in education careers.  The consortium will work together to provide a long-term, substantive response to the challenges of improving the preparation of teachers and administrators for meeting the needs of American Indian/Alaskan Native students.  The School of Education faculty, Dr. Lynne Bercaw and Dr. Michelle Cepello, will be responsible for co-directing this 4 year project.

Securing this federal grant from the Office of Indian Education addresses the CSU, Chico’s Value Statements of pursuing a diverse student population and meeting the unique needs of our community.  Implementation of this grant will support President Zingg’s efforts to collaborate with regional tribal partners in strengthening University enrollment of under represented individuals of Indian/Alaskan descent.