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Washington, DC – National Indian Education Association
calls for the Congress to take steps to reform the nation’s system of
higher education finance in order to help more American Indian, Alaska
Native, and Native Hawaiian children obtain access to a post high
school education that can help them bring prosperity to themselves, their
families, and their communities.
This position is part of NIEA’s ongoing effort
to keep Native students on the path to college and career by eliminating
barriers that stand in their way. NIEA supports President Barack
Obama’s effort to prevent interest rates from increasing on loans provided
to 7.4 million American students (including those from Native communities)
through the federal Stafford Loan Program. Rates are likely to increase by
a two-fold on July 1 if Congress cannot reach agreement on an interest rate
reduction plan. A Senate vote on at least one plan to stave off interest
rate increases may be held on Tuesday, May 8. NIEA supports action by the
Congress to fix this problem and to keep these loans affordable.
Says NIEA President Quinton Roman Nose:
“Education equals jobs for our students and greater quality-of-life for our
communities. We must eliminate barriers for Native students desiring to
pursue an education after high school.”
NIEA also recognizes that addressing
access and affordability also involves reforming the entire system of
financing higher education. This includes an increase in funding for Pell
Grants, which help low-income Native students pay for college without
shouldering high levels of debt; addressing how states fund public
community and four-year institutions directly through appropriations and
indirectly through student aid; and encouraging universities to
increase campus-based student aid to low-income students.
More information on NIEA policy positions
are available at NIEA.org. Reporters can
contact NIEA Communications at rbiddle@niea.org
or at (202) 544-7290 for more information.
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jUST THE FACTS
WHO: NIEA’s 3,000 members and advocates.
WHAT: Call on congressional, White House, and
institutional leaders for comprehensive reform of higher education finance.
WHY: Addressing college affordability and access will
help more Native students get on the path to lifelong success.
MEDIA CONTACT: NIEA Communications (rbiddle@niea.org or 202.544.7290)
About
National Indian Education Association: The premiere organization
advocating for educational excellence, opportunity, and equity for American
Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students, the mission of the National
Indian Education Association (NIEA) is to support traditional Native
cultures and values; to enable Native learners to become contributing
members of their communities; to promote Native control of educational
institutions; and to improve educational opportunities and resources for
American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians throughout the United
States. Learn more at www.NIEA.org.
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