University of Mary Awarded $1.7 Million Federal Grant to Support Native American Graduate Scholars
Grant provides free master’s degrees and credentials in education, special education, and social work for eligible Native American scholars
BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary has once again been awarded a major federal grant to support Native American scholars, strengthening its long-standing leadership role in preparing Native students for advanced careers in education and social services.
Through the university’s Native American Education Leadership Program (NAELP) within the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education has awarded a $1.74 million Professional Development discretionary grant. The funding provides $500,000 annually for the first three years, followed by $120,000 annually for the final two years, and covers graduate degrees and credentials at no cost to qualifying Native American students.
A Pathway to Advanced Degrees — at No Cost
Eligible Native American scholars can pursue one of three graduate programs at Mary: a master’s in school administration, a master’s in special education, or the university’s new master’s in social work (MSW). The grant also provides support for K-12 administration credentials.
To qualify, applicants must be an enrolled member of a tribe or a tribal descendant, meet the University of Mary’s admissions standards, and commit to working in a North Dakota K-12 school where at least 11% of students are Native American. Applicants can receive support for either a full degree or a credential.
“This grant is life-changing for Native American students who dream of advancing their education,” said Dr. Carmelita Lamb, grant coordinator for the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Mary. “For many, the financial barrier is the biggest obstacle. Now, they have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree or credential at no cost and to bring their talents back into classrooms and communities where they are needed most.”
Building on a Legacy of Success
This marks the fifth federal grant awarded to the University of Mary’s NAELP program since 2016, bringing total funding to more than $7.1 million. Over that time, more than 120 Native American scholars from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arizona have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in teacher education, special education, reading, and K-12 administration. Many now serve in leadership roles in schools across reservations and urban Native American communities.
The University of Mary is believed to be the only higher education institution in North Dakota currently awarded such a federal grant for graduate-level programs.
“The Office of Indian Education has repeatedly entrusted Mary with these grants because we have demonstrated results,” said Dr. Matt Lonn, chair of Graduate Education at the University of Mary. “Native American students who complete this program become leaders—principals, superintendents, special education specialists, and now social workers—who transform the lives of children in Native schools and beyond.”
Expanding Opportunities with Social Work
A unique addition to this grant cycle is the inclusion of the University of Mary’s MSW program. This opens a new pathway for Native students to advance in social work—a field critical to meeting the needs of Native American families and children.
The grant establishes a partnership between the University of Mary, United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck, and Turtle Mountain College (TMC) in Belcourt. Students who begin their studies at UTTC with an associate degree in social work will be able to continue on to Mary for a bachelor’s degree and then enter the MSW program online. Those who already hold a bachelor’s in social work from any institution may enroll directly in Mary’s advanced MSW program.
“Our new MSW program is deeply rooted in service and leadership, and this grant ensures that more Native students can become the social work professionals their communities need,” said Heidi Nieuwsma, chair of the Social Work program at the University of Mary. “We’re honored to help expand access to graduate education and support the next generation of Native social work leaders.”
Applications are now being accepted for the January 2026 start of master’s degrees in special education, and school administration, as well as non-degree K-12 administration credentials. Applications are open for the MSW program starting in September 2026.
Strengthening Native Education for Generations
The NAELP program has become a cornerstone of the University of Mary’s commitment to serving Native American communities by equipping educators, administrators, and social workers with the skills to meet the unique challenges in K-12 schools with significant Native student populations.
“This grant is not just about degrees—it’s about creating opportunity and building futures,” said Dr. Brenda Tufte, associate dean of Education and Behavioral Science at the University of Mary. “When Native scholars lead classrooms, schools, and community programs, Native children thrive. We are investing in future leaders who will serve with both professional excellence and cultural understanding.”
For further information or to apply to the Native American Education Leadership Program, contact Dr. Carmelita Lamb at clamb@umary.edu or Heidi Nieuwsma at hjnieuwsma@umary.edu.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 23 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and universities in the US.
About the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers nearly 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,900 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.