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- By Native News Online Staff
The Ichigo Foundation has awarded the American Indian College Fund a $100,000 grant to support the Wounspe E’cetkiya O’takuye Piya A’yazunta Pi (Reconnecting Relatives to Education) Program over the next two years. As one of the College Fund’s pre-college adult education pathways, the program assists American Indians who have experienced involvement with the justice system by providing the resources and support needed to complete their high school equivalency (HSE)—an important first step toward expanded educational and career opportunities. This new funding will help grow and strengthen the program’s impact.
The initiative is carried out in partnership with Sinte Gleska University (SGU), which delivers HSE services to individuals incarcerated at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility as part of its broader adult education efforts. SGU recently expanded its programming at the facility to include consistent weekly HSE tutoring and instruction.
Grant funds will support key program expenses, including tutor salaries and travel mileage, instructional materials, staff training, reentry planning, and college and career readiness services.
In 2025, SGU celebrated the program’s first four graduates. With this new investment, the College Fund aims to deepen its partnership with SGU and explore additional learning opportunities to further serve individuals seeking a second chance through education.
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