Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) are departments within tribes that assist with addressing multiple aspects of a child's education, including but not limited to health and nutrition, safety and wellness, heritage language, cultural practices, and family engagement. TED staff members administer their tribal education systems to meet the unique needs of their students - they know their children and communities best.

The Office of Indian Education is excited to annouce a new grant opportunity that seeks to support educational needs and opportunities in Arizona districts and schools that serve a significant number of Native American students and staff, consistent with the purposes of the Office of Indian Education legislation A.R.S. 15-244. This grant will provide supplemental resources and key supports aimed at prioritizing authentic stakeholder and community engagement, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that promote academically excellent and culturally relevant educational opportunities. 

Arizona Johnson O'Malley Quarterly Forum

In collaboration with the National Johnson O'Malley Association (NJOMA) Region 1 representative, the Office of Indian Education (OIE) co-hosts the quarterly Arizona Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Forum. The forum began in January 2022, and the overall purpose is to provide an opportunity for all JOM contractors in Arizona to unite and discuss any challenges with JOM, gain guidance, and share best practices. Discussion topics include the student count process, training needs, and ideas for more effective management of JOM.

Identification matters for our communities

Now more than ever, as we strive to strengthen tribal sovereignty and have accurate representation in the U.S. Census, we must ensure Native American students have greater visibility in schools, treaty obligations are fulfilled, and programs designed to meet the needs of Native students are appropriately funded and directed.

The Office of Indian Education hosts a recurring virtual convening entitled OIE Connect (formerly Policy & Program Updates for Indigenous Stakeholders).

Purpose: Provide updates, resources, and information to support and strengthen collaboration among parents, educators, school staff, and Indigenous communities to advance the success and well-being of Native American students. 

On April 9, 2025, the Office of Indian Education released the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families, designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to help families and students navigate the wearing of tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies.

Impact Aid is Federal funding provided directly to school districts to make up for lost tax revenues from federally owned property within their boundaries (i.e., military bases and Indian Reservations). These Title VII funds are managed through the US Department of Education.  Impact Aid should not be considered extra funding, but funding that is provided  to equalize districts who do not receive tax realated revenues like other districts receive.

The American Indian Student Needs (AISN) is a competitive grant for public school districts used for school supplies for federally recognized American Indian students. Interest accrued on the SekvensTrust Fund provides the funding source for this grant.  This grant becomes available once a significant amount of interest has accrued to warrant opening the grant for competition (anticipated in FY25). 

*** Currently there are insufficient funds to open the grant.