A new opportunity in education: Dayton, tribal officials announce new grant for adult learning program geared toward American Indians

BEMIDJI -- With the hope of paving a new road of educational opportunities, Gov. Mark Dayton and regional tribal leaders met in Bemidji on Wednesday to announce funding for a new program.

Aiming to help American Indian adults gain high school diploma equivalents, Dayton said the state is providing an $880,000 grant to fund the Anishinaabe Basic Education Initiative. In its first year, the initiative is expected to help 150 American Indians in Minnesota attain an educational credential and access job training, according to a press release from Dayton's office.

"Our goal is to create 'on ramps' for people to get an education to either continue it or join the workforce with living wage jobs," Tuleah Palmer, executive director of the Northwest Indian Community Development Center in Bemidji, said at a press conference with Dayton and tribal leaders.

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