By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New Beginnings for Tribal Students program. This funding aims to enhance support for Native American students pursuing higher education, focusing on increasing retention and graduation rates.
The grant will build on the success of SDSU’s Wokini Initiative through a program called Igluwiyeya, which means “to prepare oneself” in Lakota. This initiative is a collaborative effort between SDSU and tribal partner Sinté Gleška University, located in Mission, South Dakota.
“These USDA investments reinforce our commitment to empowering tribal nations by cultivating tomorrow’s agriculture sector professionals and building a USDA workforce more representative of America,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The program focuses on addressing challenges Indigenous students face on college campuses, particularly a sense of belonging. “The No. 1 issue that impacts Indigenous student success on college campuses is a sense of belonging or a lack thereof,” said SDSU’s program coordinator. “This grant is specifically supposed to tackle that.”
The holistic approach behind Igluwiyeya engages students through tailored pathways to education. It helps potential and current students feel supported in their individual journeys, showing that there is no “cookie-cutter approach” to earning a degree.
The Wokini Initiative, launched in 2018, has seen tremendous growth. From an initial 15 students, participation increased to 206 students in 2023, representing 26 tribal nations. The first New Beginnings grant in 2020 laid the foundation for essential support services, and this new funding will further expand programs and resources.
This year, 15 universities across the U.S. received a combined $5 million through the New Beginnings for Tribal Students initiative. The USDA continues to prioritize pathways to education that uplift tribal communities and ensure their representation in higher education and agriculture sectors.
The grant will enhance student opportunities and ensure continued success for Indigenous students at SDSU.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Government & Policy