Environmental Stewardship Program strategic plan 2023–2030
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund brings access to higher education for American Indian and Alaska Native students across the country. Its Environmental Stewardship Program supports tribal colleges and universities in protecting and restoring Indigenous homelands and ecosystems vital to tribal lifeways. The program advances environmental education, community-based research, and culturally grounded stewardship that honors Indigenous intergenerational knowledge transfer to future generations.
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In 2022, the College Fund undertook the process of developing a strategic plan to guide the Environmental Stewardship Program's activities and funding objectives for the next one, four, and seven years. This process significantly deepened its understanding of how TCUs beyond the Northern Great Plains are developing academic programming and supporting student experiences that are responsive to the economic and career needs of Tribal Nation communities. It also justified the need to expand beyond the Northern Great Plains to support environmental stewardship for the next seven generations, particularly at smaller and newer TCUs.
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Address needs related to faculty, students, community engagement, capacity building, infrastructure, and program development.
Employ various strategies to increase internal capacity, connect the work of TCUs to outside partners, support TCUs, and enhance storytelling.
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The plan outlines a seven-year vision to strengthen environmental science opportunities for students at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) while advancing stewardship of land, water, animals, and air. The plan focuses on building College Fund capacity, supporting TCUs with curriculum and faculty development, connecting work to external partners, and elevating storytelling to share impact. By aligning traditional knowledge with scientific innovation, the plan positions TCUs and their students as leaders in addressing environmental and climate challenges while strengthening Native communities and cultures.
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Jan–May 2022
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Andrea Mader — Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, data collection and analysis, in-person strategic planning, and report writing
Mairi Creedon — Data collection and analysis
Jodi Wolfe — Graphic and layout design
“Sweet Grass is respectful and listens to the needs of the partner. I appreciate their awareness of Tribal Nations, the importance of tribal sovereignty, and community-driven work.” —Emily White Hat, American Indian College Fund
