American Indian Education Aid

Districts, charter schools and tribal schools that report an American Indian student count of 20 or more to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) are eligible to participate in the American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) program. This program uses the state American Indian student count along with a per-pupil funding formula to determine aid award estimates.
 
The intent of American Indian Education Aid is to enable districts and schools to scale up and enhance American Indian education programs and initiatives, or, in the case of those newly eligible to receive aid, to build sustainable programs that are culturally and academically tailored to American Indian students.

Program Requirements

  • The district or school must have a minimum of 20 American Indian students on the October 1 MARSS reporting deadline.
  • The district or school must have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), or be working collaboratively with the Office of American Indian Education to form an AIPAC.
  • Districts and schools that were required to have an AIPAC in the previous school year must have completed annual compliance. 

How Are American Indian Student Counts Determined?

Districts and schools report their American Indian student counts directly to MDE, via their chosen reporting platform, on the October 1 MARSS reporting deadline. MDE uses the student count information reported on this date to determine participant eligibility for the subsequent school year. For example, students that are reported as American Indian on October 1, 2022 determine the eligible AIEA program participants in SY2023-24.

What Role Does the AIPAC Play in AIEA?

American Indian Parent Advisory Committees serve in an advisory role to the district, and help to ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. AIPACs are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide, and their presence, input, and knowledge is key to strengthening district and parent partnerships. For the AIPAC to make informed decisions, the district must afford the committee the information and data needed to make sound recommendations. This information includes, but is not limited to, testing data, attendance data, graduation rates, and student count information. In addition to this valuable work, the AIPAC and district must closely collaborate each spring on Annual Compliance (also known as the vote of concurrence or nonconcurrence). Annual compliance is a mid-year reflection point for the committee, and has its own unique requirements within state statutes.

How Are AIEA Estimates Calculated?

The American Indian Education Aid program uses the district or schools October 1 American Indian student count along with a per-pupil funding formula to determine estimated aid awards. Twenty American Indian students generate a base award of $40,000, and each American Indian student beyond that generates an additional $500. 

Carry Forward

If a school district or Tribally Controlled School does not expend the full amount of the American Indian education aid in accordance with the plan in the designated fiscal year, they may carry forward and expend up to half of the remaining funds in the following fiscal year. See Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.81, subdivision 2b.
 

Carry Forward Criteria

(1) the district is otherwise following the plan submitted and approved under subdivision 2;
(2) the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee for the school is aware of and has approved the carry forward and has concurred with the district's educational offerings extended to American Indian students under section 124D.78; 
(3) the funds carried over are used in accordance with section 124D.74, subdivision 1; and
(4) by April 1, the district reports to the Department of Education American Indian education director the reason the aid was not expended in the designated fiscal year, and describes how the district intends to expend the funds in the following fiscal year. The district must report this information in the form and manner determined by the commissioner.
 

Important Previous Year Information

The carry forward process can be up to half of the previous school year’s unspent funds, not the current year. (Example: $10,000 unspent, $5000 may be eligible for carry forward)
The American Indian Parent Committee has agreed with the district educational offerings and has voted concurrent for the 2023-24 school year to be eligible to carry forward unspent funds from FY2023-24.
 
To carry forward SY 2023-24 funds for the April 1, 2025 deadline, please submit:
  • Carry forward request document
  • Financial Expenditure report 320 for the previous year (FY 2023-24)
  • Budget worksheet for the previous year (FY 2023-24)

Open Office Hours

Open office hours are available May 1-30 for districts who are applying for AIEA for school year 2025-26. Open office hours will not take place on Monday, May 26 because MDE will be closed for Memorial Day. Attend to have your questions answered in preparation for the June 1 deadline for AIEA application.

New for SY2024-25

American Indian Education Aid Program Plan Evaluation Rubric
Carry Forward Request
American Indian Education Aid Carry Forward Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Apply

To participate in the American Indian Education Aid program, eligible applicants must complete a budget worksheet, an application, and an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Roster. These required items must be submitted by June 1 to: MDE.AIEA@state.mn.us and provide a summer contact who can be contacted for questions.