The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) was awarded a new grant from Bank of America to support Native student success, financial stability, and ongoing institutional transformation. According to Bank of America, the award is part of the bank’s effort to advance racial equality and economic opportunity.

The funding will provide much needed support for AIHEC’s efforts to support the 37 tribal colleges and universities and students served by these institutions of higher education. Nearly 80% of the students attending TCUs receive Pell grants, and more than 50% are first generation students. AIHEC currently operates a wide range of programs intended to address student needs and help them succeed, from information technology infrastructure enhancement to career development and research capacity building.

“We are honored by the Bank of America’s partnership with AIHEC through this grant,” says Carrie Billy, AIHEC’s president and CEO, “The tribal colleges are committed to bringing the opportunity of higher education to as many American Indian and Alaska Native students as possible, and this grant will help us achieve this vital goal.”