Background:

Funding for special projects was discussed at the February 25, 2000 Board Meeting. The Board was not in favor of setting aside 10% of the annual appropriation for special project funding under the Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant. The Board requested additional time to study this issue so a decision at the next Board meeting could be made.

$840,683 (108%) of the annual appropriation of $779,800 was committed under the Wisconsin Indian Student Assistant Grant and $673,595 (86%) was spent through February 15, 2000. The amount committed through April 11, 2000 was $785,545 (101%). The 7% decrease in comitted funds is the result of a HEAB request for schools to release funds that would not be vouchered under this program. The amount spent through April 11, 2000 was $731,478 (94%).

Historical data (Attachment A) provides general and special project figures for the Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant from 1991 through 1999. No more than ten percent of the annual appropriation was designated for special projects evaluated and recommended by the American Indian Language and Culture Education Board (AILCEB). The amount designated for special projects was known prior to the start of the current academic year. The AILCEB was eliminated with passage of the 97-99 Biennial Budget. In October, 1998 the Higher Educational Aids Board gave the Wisconsin Tribal Education Directors Association the responsibility of evaluating and recommending special projects to HEAB. Special Project Program Descriptions (Attachment B) include the institutions that participated in special projects, the amount allocated to each school for individual awards, and the amount spent. In 1995-96 the maximum annaul award under this program was reduced by 50%. Funding for special projects was suspended in 1995-96 due to insufficient funds. Funding for special projects was restored in 1998-99 when HEAB determined that sufficient funds were available to again consider these projects.

Information provided with the February 25, 2000 Board Report:

Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter HEA 6.04(3) addresses special projects funded under the Indian Student Assistance Grant. In October, 1998 the board authorized the Wisconsin Tribal Education Directors Association to evaluate and recommend special projects to HEAB.

Special projects are tuition reimbursement programs for part-time nontraditional Indian students. The programs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of the Indian communities. A designated portion of the Indian Student Assistance allocation was set aside annually for these projects. Special project funding was suspended when need increased for full-time students. It was understood this funding would be reinstated if funds became available. Special Project funds were spent in 1998-99.

Please consider the following special project funding options:

1. Set aside 10% of the annual appropriation for special project funding. Students will be placed on wait lists to avoid excessive overawarding under this grant. Students pursuing a post secondary education might not receive an award under the Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Program.

2. Designate funds for special project funding when a surplus has been identified by HEAB. This funding method gives priority to students pursuing a post secondary education.