Senators announce nearly $2 million for all seven of Montana's tribal colleges

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) All seven of Montana’s tribal colleges are about to get some help to improve campus infrastructure, thanks to grants announced today by Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

Each of Montana’s seven tribal colleges will receive $272,350.

Stone Child Collegein Box Elder on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation will use the money for general infrastructure improvements, to build a greenhouse, and to construct a mobile computer lab.

Salish Kootenai Collegein Pablo on the Flathead Reservation will add three classrooms to the Art Building.

Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation will expand parking access, improve access for the disabled, improve campus security and make energy upgrades.

Fort Peck Community Collegein Poplar on the Fort Peck Reservation will upgrade and modernize existing campus facilities and infrastructure on campus

Blackfeet Community Collegein Browning on the Blackfeet Reservation will use the money for general infrastructure improvement and to build an agricultural center.

Little Big Horn Collegein Crow Agency on the Crow Reservation will upgrade the student union building to include additional office, classrooms and a student lounge

Fork Belknap Collegein Harlemon the Fort Belknap Reservation will construct a workforce training center.

“This money will go a long way towards ensuring our tribal colleges have the tools they need to prepare their students for the future,” Baucus said. “Getting a good education is a vital part of finding a good paying job and succeeding here under the Big Sky.”

“Our tribal colleges are an essential component of education and new opportunity in Indian Country,” said Tester, a member of the Senate’s Committee on Indian Affairs. “Ensuring that students get a quality education starts with making sure that basic infrastructure is up to snuff.”

The tribal colleges will receive the grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.