Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grant Program; Assistance Listing Number 84.415A
This grant supports partnerships between Tribal, State, and Local Educational Agencies to promote Tribal self-determination, improve academic outcomes, and address the unique cultural and educational needs of Indian students.
Funder: Department of Education
Due Dates: June 11, 2026 (Application deadline) | August 11, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: ~$2,000,000 total; typical award $300,000–$500,000 for 36–60 months; 4–7 awards expected
Summary: Supports Tribal self-determination in education by funding Tribal Educational Agencies to partner with state and local education agencies to improve academic outcomes for Indian students.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; direct services to students are not funded.
Description
This grant, administered by the Department of Education's Office of Indian Education (OIE), funds the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program. The STEP program aims to promote Tribal self-determination in education, improve academic achievement for Indian children and youth, and foster collaboration between Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs), State Educational Agencies (SEAs), and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). The program supports the development or expansion of TEAs to provide culturally relevant education and strengthen systemic connections with Native students in public schools. Funded projects may include creating new TEAs or expanding the capacity of early TEAs to better coordinate and administer education programs.
