# Native American Education Opportunity Act: What It Actually Does

This bill creates a new education funding system specifically for Native American students, giving tribes the power to set up education savings accounts that families can use to pay for a wide range of educational options. Instead of money going directly to schools, it goes into individual accounts that parents control to purchase the education services they think work best for their children.

Here's how it works in practice: Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, tribes that want to participate can set up these programs and receive federal education funding—about $8,000 per year per student. Parents can then use that money from their child's account to pay for almost anything education-related: private school tuition, tutoring (including Native language and cultural instruction), online learning programs, textbooks, computers, therapy services, college costs, vocational training, or even test prep courses. The money stays in the account if not spent and can be used until the student turns 25 (or 26 if they have a disability). The only real restriction is that if a student attends a public school full-time, the account closes and any remaining money goes back to the tribe.

The bill also allows tribes to create and run their own charter schools using Bureau of Indian Education facilities, giving them more flexibility to design schools that fit their communities' specific educational goals and values. Additionally, the bill requires that any educational service providers working with these programs consult with tribal officials before providing services, ensuring tribes have a say in what happens in their communities.

A government study will review how well these programs work after three years to see if they're actually helping more Native American students access better educational opportunities.

Native American Education Opportunity Act

Biggs, Andy

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to&nbsp;provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1)&nbsp;attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.