releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E55B6C22-41BE-47B0-A45F-DCC0800F8649
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E55B6C22-41BE-47B0-A45F-DCC0800F8649 | Heitkamp Backs New Bill to Boost Funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she is supporting legislation to permanently extend and increase federal funding for minority-serving higher education institutions like North Dakota's five tribal colleges. The Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act would increase mandatory funding levels from $255 million to $300 million for minority-serving institutions of higher education. A majority of the mandatory funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities is set to expire in the next year, leaving schools without the resources needed to serve their students. The funds would be used for capital improvement needs, faculty and curriculum development, and student services. American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities would receive $35 million, a $5 million increase from the current funding level. North Dakota's tribal colleges are vital institutions that help prepare the next generation of Native American students for fulfilling careers, Heitkamp said. Often, students that attend Tribal Colleges are the first in their families to seek a higher education. Adequate funding is essential to help these important institutions carry out their mission, which is why I've been pushing for increased funding for schools that serve minority populations. Every North Dakota community is stronger when we work to build a skilled workforce and make sure a good education is in reach for every student. Heitkamp supported an increase in funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities in the bipartisan government funding bill that passed the Senate last week, and is expected to become law soon. Heitkamp offered an amendment to boost this funding even more to help North Dakota's colleges, but it was not included in the final bill. This new legislation would permanently boost funding to the level Heitkamp requested. As a small, rural, tribal college, Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) relies on the Title III funding as essential funding to operate our institution, said Cynthia Lindquist, President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten. If we should lose this funding or if it is reduced by any amount, I am uncertain as to whether or not CCCC would remain open. The proposed legislation supported by Senator Heitkamp, demonstrates the understanding that higher education is a good and viable investment for rural communities and disenfranchised students. We make a difference in people's lives, their families, and their communities. United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) thanks Senator Heitkamp for this important bill to provide resources to assist tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) to support Native students with the tools they need to start careers and support their families, said UTTC President Russ McDonald. Education is more than just a certificate or diploma it's about lifting entire communities by making sure North Dakota's workforce needs are met. TCUs face many unique challenges, and this funding is one way we can continue to provide the education and opportunities that Native students deserve. North Dakota is home to thousands of students who enroll each year in one of the state's five tribal colleges, which include: Turtle Mountain Community College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (formerly Fort Berthold Community College), United Tribes Technical College, Sitting Bull College, and Cankdeska Cikana Community College. Heitkamp has been a strong advocate for North Dakota's tribal colleges, leading a bipartisan effort every year since 2013 to celebrate the unique and critically important role these institutions of higher education play in supporting students from Indian Country. Click here for a video of Heitkamp and North Dakota students discussing the importance of TCUs, and click here for video of Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recognizing National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week on the Senate floor. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |