Tribal colleges could seek matching grants for high-demand programs

The proposal would let eligible Nebraska tribal colleges apply for matching grants for high-demand educational programs. A Nebraska tribal college is a 1994 Institution located in Nebraska. Applications are allowed only for a fiscal year when money has been appropriated to the fund. A college must show newly committed private funds available to spend that fiscal year; its maximum grant would match that amount. Colleges could apply from July 1 through September 1 of a fiscal year with appropriated funds. The commission must pay grants by January 1 of that fiscal year.

The proposal would create a fund for the grants, administered by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. The commission would use the fund to carry out grants under the act. The fund could receive legislative transfers and grants, gifts, or bequests from public or private sources, including federal and state sources. Available fund money would be invested under the named state investment laws.