Native American Education Equity Act of 2003

The Native American Education Equity Act of 2003 was designed to provide federal grants and financial assistance to colleges and universities that serve a significant population of Native American students but do not qualify for other specific tribal college funding. To be eligible, an institution’s undergraduate enrollment would need to be at least 15 percent Native American or Alaska Native.

If enacted, the bill would have allowed these schools to use federal funds to upgrade scientific equipment, renovate classrooms and libraries, and establish academic tutoring and counseling programs. The goal of the legislation was to improve the quality of higher education and support services for Native American students attending non-tribal institutions.