Native American Education Opportunity Act
- house
- senate
- president
Last progress January 3, 2025 (11 months ago)
Introduced on January 3, 2025 by Andrew S. Biggs
Last progress January 3, 2025 (11 months ago)
Introduced on January 3, 2025 by Andrew S. Biggs
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
This proposal would let federally recognized Tribes create education savings accounts (ESAs) for Native American students. At a Tribe’s request, the Departments of Education and the Interior would send funds starting in the 2025–2026 school year; students who apply on or after January 1, 2025 can participate. Each eligible student would receive $8,000 per year in a Tribal ESA, and Tribes may work with a nonprofit to help run the accounts. Families could use the money for tutoring (including Native language and culture), private or online school, part‑time classes at a public school, textbooks and technology, test fees, therapies, and some college or job‑training costs; unused funds roll over year to year. An ESA generally ends if a student enrolls full‑time in public school, finishes school or turns 25 (26 if the student has a disability), or if the account is unused for two years; the aid is for the student (not the school) and is not counted as income for federal taxes or benefits .
The bill also lets the Bureau of Indian Education approve and fund charter schools at any BIE‑operated or BIE‑funded school. Tribes may use BIE buildings and can subcontract with Tribal organizations or other developers to manage or run these schools.