Federal grant expands opportunities for American Indian students at NSU
Federal grant expands school leadership opportunities for American Indian students at Northeastern State University
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) is expanding opportunities for American Indian students pursuing careers in school administration through the Indigenous Driven Education Administration Leadership (IDEAL) program, funded through a federal sub-award from the American Indian Resource Center Inc. (AIRC).
The grant builds on NSU’s longstanding partnership with AIRC and expands support for American Indian students pursuing a Master of Education in School Administration or alternative certification as a principal or superintendent.
With the new grant funding, the program will provide professional development, scholarships and testing fees to participating students.
The IDEAL program is designed to strengthen the pipeline of American Indian school leaders pairing financial assistance with leadership development focused on the needs of today’s schools and the communities they serve.
Dr. Vanessa Anton, dean of the NSU College of Education, serves as the principal investigator for the NSU sub-award.
“Strong schools require strong leaders,” said Anton. “Through our continued partnership, the IDEAL grant provides American Indian students with the support they need to become effective school administrators. We’re proud to help prepare leaders who will positively impact students, educators and communities across Oklahoma.”
Krista Boston, IDEAL program director, said that supporting the program helps develop leaders who understand the cultural needs of Indigenous communities.
“The IDEAL program continues our shared vision of increasing the number of American Indian professionals represented in educational leadership positions in schools with a significant Indigenous population,” said Boston. “We are helping develop leaders who understand the unique strengths and needs of the communities they will serve while creating positive change for future generations.”
NSU President Rodney Hanley said the partnership provides further opportunities for American Indian students while strengthening the future of educational leadership across Oklahoma and beyond.
“Strong educational leadership transforms schools and communities,” said Hanley. “This partnership helps create a stronger pipeline of qualified administrators while providing American Indian students with meaningful opportunities to lead in schools and communities.”
Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 cohort. For more information about the program or eligibility requirements, contact the NSU College of Education at 918-444-3700 or anton@nsuok.edu.
Interested individuals can apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScu7QG69QSf5mywtleA2yoHtrQQNMvinS3m32KGP-GDZ3gRSQ/viewform.
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