Native American students in Kyrene School District will reap the rewards of a unique grant partnership. Kyrene is one of the first urban and non-reservation districts to receive a grant from the Navajo Nation Johnson-O’Malley (JOM) Program. The JOM grant provides supplemental funding for cultural enrichment (activities that promote Native American heritage) and academic achievement (initiatives that improve educational outcomes for all Native American students.)

“The goal of the program is to ensure that Kyrene Native American students have access to resources that support their cultural identity as well as academic growth,” said Erin Schroeder, Assistant Director of Federal Programs and Outreach. “This can include activities that celebrate and preserve indigenous culture and tradition, events that encourage family engagement in their student’s education along with targeted academic support focused on improving reading and math skills.”

Kyrene is already putting the grant dollars to work, funding its celebration of Native American Heritage month. 172 students, staff, family members and guests attended the Native American Heritage Celebration at Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School on November 6. The event honors the rich, diverse cultures of North America’s Indigenous people with live performances and traditional cuisine.

I remember a few events from when I went here,” shared former Kyrene student, Wind River Joaquin, who is now an aunt of two current Kyrene students. “This is the first event I’ve been to now that my nieces are students, and it’s so cool to hear from members of my tribe and other tribes. It’s great that my nieces have opportunities like this to come together and learn more about our cultures.”

The JOM Program is a federally funded initiative designed to support educational and extracurricular opportunities for Native American students. Kyrene was awarded JOM funds as a subgrantee of the Navajo Nation. Funds are allocated based on the number of eligible Native American students in a district and specific program needs.

“We are so grateful to the Navajo Nation for partnering with us to bring this grant to Kyrene. These funds address the unique needs and support the educational journey of Indigenous students. They provide essential resources, honor Native American heritage, and enable Kyrene Native American students to thrive,” Schroeder said.

Kyrene School District is proud to serve more than one thousand students representing 38 tribal nations. Its boundaries encompass part of the Gila River Indian Community.