Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants (TCEG) Program provides competitive, four‑year continuation grants to federally recognized Tribal Colleges and Universities (1994 Land‑grant Institutions) to build capacity in food and agricultural sciences. The program funds projects that address six legislatively mandated priorities, including curriculum design, faculty development, student experiential learning, equipment for STEM teaching, student recruitment/retention, and innovative instruction delivery systems. Awards average $228,571 (fixed minimum and maximum) with an anticipated total funding pool of $8 million for FY 2026, supporting up to 35 projects. Eligible activities span curriculum creation, leadership development, AI and data‑science training, laboratory upgrades, and partnerships that strengthen tribal leadership in agriculture. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov by October 7, 2026; no cost‑share is required, though encouraged. The grant period is 48 months, after which continuation is possible pending performance and appropriations. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as increased numbers of graduates with technical skills, enhanced workforce competitiveness, and strengthened tribal agricultural leadership. • Eligible applicants: Tribal Colleges/Universities designated as 1994 Land‑grant Institutions (list provided). • Funding: $8 M total; $228,571 per award; up to 35 awards. • Project length: 48 months (continuation award). • Priorities: curricula, faculty, experiential learning, STEM equipment, recruitment/retention, delivery systems/partnerships. • Allowed activities: curriculum development, AI/robotics training, leadership academies, equipment purchases, partnership building. • No matching requirement; cost‑share optional. • Submission: electronic only, Grants.gov, deadline Oct 7, 2026 5 PM ET. • Evaluation criteria: significance to tribal education, approach & partnerships, institutional capacity, key personnel, budget effectiveness.