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Eric Davis, Marketing and Communications Director
         505.424.2351 or [email protected]
 
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs SB407 Authorizing Tribal Colleges to Participate in Lottery Scholarship Program

Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Students Now Eligible to Receive Lottery Scholarship Funds
   
SANTA FE, NM:  March 20, 2019.

On March 14, 2019, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law SB 407
which will allow New Mexico Tribal Colleges, including IAIA, to receive funds from the Lottery Tuition fund. Other eligible Tribal Colleges in New Mexico include Navajo Technical University and Diné College.

The bill, introduced by Senator Benny Shendo, Jr., adds Tribal Colleges to the list of post-secondary institutions in the state that are eligible to receive the funds. As stated in the bill:

" To the extent that funds are made available by  the legislature 
from the fund, the boards of regents or  governing bodies of public  post-secondary educational  institutions and tribal colleges shall  award tuition  scholarships in department-approved amounts to qualified  students and legacy students attending their respective  public  post-secondary educational institutions... "

According to the New Mexico Lottery's website, " Since 1996, more than 122,000 students from across the state have attended New Mexico public colleges, universities, and technical colleges with the help of Legislative Lottery Scholarships." As of the start of the next fiscal year, July 1, 2019, these funds will also be available to eligible students who attend Tribal Colleges.

Some of the IAIA 2019 Scholarship Recipients


IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee) remarked that "W e are extremely grateful to Representative Alcon and Senator Shendo, sponsors of the House and Senate companion bills; and the New Mexico Legislature and Governor Lujan-Grisham for their support of this historic legislation permitting students attending IAIA and the other Tribal Colleges eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship Program. This will dramatically improve access to higher education for Native students by expanding their options to include  Tribal Colleges in their home communities that offer opportunities to study programs incorporating an Indigenous perspective."

To arrange an interview with Dr. Martin, please contact Eric Davis at 505.424.2351, or [email protected].

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Offering undergraduate degrees in Studio Arts, Creative Writing, Cinematic Arts and Technology, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, and Performing Arts -- an MFA in Creative Writing -- along with certificates in Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native American Art History -- IAIA is the only college in the nation dedicated to the study of contemporary Native arts. The school serves 495 full time equivalent (FTE) Native and non-Native American college students from across the globe.  IAIA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission -- and is the only college in New Mexico accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. 


About IAIA  -- For over 50 years, the Institute of American Indian Arts has played a key role in the direction and shape of Native expression. With an internationally acclaimed college, museum, and tribal support resource through our Land Grant Programs, IAIA is dedicated to the study and advancement of Native arts and cultures -- and committed to student achievement and the preservation and progress of their communities.  Learn more about IAIA and our mission at   www.iaia.edu.

 
The Institute of American Indian Arts Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.  To make a donation on-line, please click here, or call toll free to (800) 804-6423.