Title VI - American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education Programs

(Formerly Title-VII)

The Office of Indian Education (OIE), located in the Office of the Under Secretary (OUS), was created in 1972 under the Indian Education Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 amends the Indian education programs in OIE as Title VI, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Federal legislation focuses on the education of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians from preschool to graduate school. Title VI ensures that American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native students meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards, and the unique culturally related needs. 

It funds school districts with high concentrations of these students to address their unique cultural and linguistic needs. The program aims to increase academic achievement, cultural identity, and school attendance.

  • Target Population: The program serves American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
  • Program Goals: Title VI aims to help students meet challenging state academic standards and their unique culturally related needs.
  • Implementation: The program often involves incorporating Native American history, culture, and languages into the curriculum and providing support services tailored to the needs of Native students.
  • Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration with parents, families, and community organizations to ensure effective implementation.
  • Non-discrimination: Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in education programs and activities that receive federal funding.
  • Compliance: Schools receiving Title VI funds must comply with specific requirements, including maintaining accurate records and conducting annual reviews.

Parent Letter: due October 10, 2026

Parent Letter in Spanish: due October 10, 2026

ED 506 Form:

Tribal Enrollment

Tribal applications vary greatly depending on the specific tribe and the type of application.

  • Requires proof of lineage to a member on the tribe's base roll.
  • Additional requirements may include blood quantum (percentage of Native American blood), residency, or active participation in tribal affairs.
  • Examples include Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and tribal membership cards.
  • For the Cherokee Nation, lineage to a member on the Dawes Roll is required.

College Information & Scholarships
This is a list of colleges and universities in the U.S. State of Colorado, which range in age and program focus.

  • Colleges and universities in Colorado
  • The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at tribal colleges, universities, or nonprofit, accredited schools.
  • All Higher Pathways partners can assist students with FAFSA submissions.
  • Explore More Scholarships
    In addition to the Full Circle and Tribal College & University (TCU) scholarship programs, we offer thousands of scholarship opportunities. We advise all students to apply to as many as they are eligible for.

Federal Student Aid

  • The 2025-2026 FAFSA form determines the amount of financial aid you can receive, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
  • The FAFSA4caster is a quick and easy resource to help you understand postsecondary options.

Federal Programs Department
15701 E. 1st Ave, Suite 106
Aurora, CO 80011
303-365-5816