Intertribal Life Newspaper -

MADISON, Wisc.-Beginning in the fall of 2024, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will offer financial support to cover the full cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree for Wisconsin residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin Native American tribes. The commitment covers not only tuition and fees but also housing, meals, books and other educational expenses.

Additionally, a 5-year pilot program will cover in-state tuition and fees for students pursuing a J.D. (law) or M.D. (medical) degree who are Wisconsin residents and enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin tribes.

Together, the two new initiatives will be called the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program. The program does not rely on taxpayer funding, but it is supported by other resources, such as private donations.

As university leaders developed the initiatives, they consulted with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, a consortium that includes the tribal chairperson or president of each of the 11 federally recognized American Indian tribes in Wisconsin. Mnookin met with council members three times to discuss the proposed program, and changes were made based on those conversations. In October, the council unanimously voted to support the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program.

Bryce Richter

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announces the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program. Seated, from left, are Carla Vigue, director of tribal relations for UW–Madison; Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and chairwoman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council; Jon Greendeer, president of Ho-Chunk Nation; and Kalista Memengwaa Cadotte, UW student and member of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe.

"The creation of this program marks a significant step in the partnership between the American Indian tribes in Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin–Madison," says Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and chairwoman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council. "While several other states have programs with similar goals, we are not aware of another effort that goes this far financially to help Native students afford higher education. This program sends a strong message that our students are important to the state's flagship university."

The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program is not based on financial need; financial support will be awarded regardless of family income. When it begins next fall, the program will cover those already on campus, as well as those who are new to campus.

The program will provide four years of support for students who enter as freshmen and two years of support for students who enter as transfer students. For professional students pursuing a J.D. or M.D. degree, the pilot program will cover the cost of in-state tuition and fees for the necessary three to four years.

"At the heart of the Native community is the support and care we have for one another and that we make decisions that will benefit not just ourselves but also the next seven generations," says Carla Vigue, UW–Madison director of tribal relations. "It is our hope that more Native students will take a second look at UW–Madison and realize that we are not out of reach. And I want Native students to know that, once here, we have support and services that can help them thrive and feel a real sense of belonging at this world-class university."