Land Grant and Environment
AIHEC’s Land Grant and Environment Programs support Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) through education, research, extension, and community outreach focused on agriculture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, food systems, and community development.
Through collaboration, technical assistance, training, and policy engagement, AIHEC works to strengthen the capacity of the 1994 Land Grant institutions and expand place-based learning opportunities for students and Tribal communities.
As the newest members of the Land Grant system, TCUs are building and strengthening programs in agriculture, health and wellness, youth development, economic and community development, and environmental science. This work advances applied learning grounded in Native knowledge, Tribal priorities, and American Indian and Alaska Native stewardship practices.
Key Initiatives
Environmental Programs
AIHEC supports environmental education, workforce development, and research opportunities that strengthen Tribal community resilience and natural resource management.
Native FEWS Alliance
The Native Food, Energy, and Water Systems (FEWS) Alliance builds educational and career pathways that help address food, energy, and water challenges in Tribal communities.
USDA NRCS Internships
In partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, AIHEC supports internship opportunities for TCU students in conservation planning, natural resources management, and agricultural technical assistance.
Food Sovereignty & Food Systems
AIHEC partners with TCU Land Grant Extension programs to support Tribal food sovereignty initiatives through technical assistance, producer workshops, and community-based agriculture education. Workshop topics have included poultry processing, seed sovereignty, traditional foods and medicines, small-scale production, ag business planning, and use of USDA producer-facing programs to support food system efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Land Grant Institutions?
The term “land grant” defines a set of colleges and universities that Congress has designated as having a formal relationship with the Federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with a mandate to provide practical education in the agricultural and mechanical arts. Through AIHEC’s leadership and sustained policy engagement, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) achieved land grant status under the Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994. Land Grant TCUs are collectively known as the “1994 Land Grant Institutions,” the “1994 Institutions,” or simply, “the 1994s.”
What funding opportunities are available to 1994s/TCUs through the Department of Agriculture?
TCU Land Grant programs are primarily funded through USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) programs including the Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program, the 1994 Land Grant Institutions Endowment Fund, and the Tribal Colleges Extension Program. Competitive grant programs including the Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program, New Beginning for Tribal Students, and the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program are also part of 1994 Land Grant federal funding opportunities.
What is FALCON?
FALCON (First Americans Land Grant Consortium) is a professional association of Tribal College & Universities administrators, faculty, extension educators, researchers, and students who work on Land Grant programs. FALCON hosts an annual conference featuring faculty, staff, and student presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. While FALCON is a separate organization, it is sanctioned by the AIHEC Board of Directors and frequently collaborates with AIHEC on projects and programs.
How does the AIHEC Land Grant program work with the USDA?
AIHEC partners with USDA through internships, cooperative agreements, and participates in the USDA-AIHEC Leadership Group, which serves as an advisory body to discuss and expand opportunities for 1994 institutions through USDA. The group is co-chaired and led by TCU Presidents and USDA leadership from multiple agency branches.
Have questions about this program?
Contact us at info@aihec.org