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Dear Partners in Education,
The Office of Indian Education (OIE) strives to meet the educational and cultural needs of Native American students across Arizona. With bi-weekly highlights, our goal is to share valuable resources and highlight meaningful opportunities that may benefit Indigenous communities and educators.
Sincerely,
The Office of Indian Education | indianeducation@azed.gov | www.azed.gov/oie
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186 more days!
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Indigenous STEM Project
Registration is now open for the OIE Indigenous STEM Project (ISP)! All events are free! Registration is required.
- On-Demand STEM Webinar – Now open! Self-paced webinar.
- STEM Professional’s Panel – March 11, 2026
- STEM Symposium – April 2, 2026 at AZ Science Center, Phoenix, AZ. Space is limited.
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OIE Connect Webinar
March 16, 2026 on Zoom, from 10am – 11am (MST).Hear from AskBenji (FAFSA resources for students, parents, & counselors) and an overview of the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit. This webinar is open to educators, administrators, parents, students, and other education partners. Visit website to register and learn more.
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My Impact Challenge applications open
Students 13-19 years old who are actively engaged in service, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship in their communities are invited to apply for My Impact Challenge and win $10,000! Applications due by May 3, 2026. Visit website to learn more.
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Creative Youth Grant applications open
The AZ Commission on the Arts can provide funds to Arizonans aged 12-17 to develop new skills! This can include private lessons, attending a workshop, or buying supplies and equipment! Applicants can request between $250 and $500. Apply by March 30, 2026.
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JKC Young Scholars Program
This is a 5-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising. Visit website to learn more and to view dates of upcoming information sessions. Applications are due April 29, 2026.
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👗 Free Prom dresses!
The Cinderella Affair Boutique is for high school junior and senior girls. Get free or gently used prom dresses! Open to the public on March 7 and March 28, from 8am – 2pm at Dixxon Flannel Company (7200 S. Priest Dr, Tempe). Visit website to learn more.
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ASU INSPIRE applications open
Registration now open for students entering 9-12th grade in Fall 2026.
June 21-25, 2026 at ASU Tempe campus. Free for all students! INSPIRE is a residential summer program helping students get ready for college while exploring learning through culture, community, and connection. Applications are due March 30, 2026. Visit website to learn more and apply!
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ASU College Tour!
March 20, 2026 from 8:30am-3pm. (Students should be dropped off/picked up at Phoenix Indian Center). Transportation to Tempe campus and meals provided! Open to all Indigenous high school students who want to explore ASU, campus life, learn about admissions, and more! Limited spots available, registration required.
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Youth Health Summit
June 25-26, 2026 in Mesa, AZ. For American Indian youth ages 11-19 (and their chaperones). Featuring workshops and educational presentations focused on mental well-being, healthy relationships, financial literacy, life skills, and more. For more information, email Kelly at kelly.vallo@itcaonline.com.
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College Prep Scholars Program for Juniors!
Current 11th grade students: apply for this Quest Bridge program by March 24, 2026! Get a head start on applying for college and scholarships. Visit website to learn about eligibility and apply today!
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College Housing 101
Seniors attending in-state colleges and universities, do you need help selecting campus housing? Attend a Housing Lab at Burton Barr Central Library on March 21 or March 25 from 2pm – 2:45pm! Get help from advisors. Visit website to learn about other college resources for students and families.
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Summer Programs and Scholarship Resources
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Zip Code Challenge
To celebrate April as Math Awareness Month, AZED, in partnership with First In Math, is hosting the third annual Arizona Zip Code Challenge! First In Math is a digital site that hosts 250+ engaging math games for all ages. Used by schools worldwide, the platform has already helped participants solve 40 billion math problems.
The challenge runs from April 1st to April 30th. Anyone can access the First In Math site at no cost.
Help us discover which zip code in Arizona has the most love for math! See flier for more information or contact Jennifer Kling at First In Math at jennifer@firstinmath.com, or Marisa Tuala at the Arizona Department of Education at Marisa.Tualla@azed.gov.
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ADE Character Counts Contest
The 2026 contest is now open to K-12 students or classes! Entries due April 10, 2026. Individual students or groups are encouraged to submit artwork centered on the 6 pillars of character. Winners are announced April 17th and will be invited to the Department of Education to meet the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne. See flyer, or visit website for more information.
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AZ Dual Enrollment Summit
April 3, 2026 at Mesa Community College, from 8:30am – 3pm. This is a free event for education administrators. Visit website to register.
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Haseya Teacher Prep Program recruiting participants!
Seeking Native American and Alaskan Native participants for Haseya, a joint program between the Navajo Nation and Claremont Graduate University. Participants earn California K-12 teaching credential and a Master’s degree. Financial support available including tuition, fees, laptop, and stipends. Apply now for January or July 2026 cohorts! Visit website for more information.
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Teacher Leaders for Native Futures Fellowship open!
A 12 month, hybrid professional learning experience is designed for K-12 educators (full time, fully certified from grant, BIE, or public school). Fellows engage in collaborative learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Upon completion, fellows receive National Indian Education Association conference scholarship and a stipend. Applications are due by April 6, 2026.
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Essential Standards Training – Spring 2026
Upcoming opportunities for educators to review and prepare successful implementation. Learn about resources, evaluation tools, alignment, and more. March 23, 2026. View flyer and register in APLD for more information.
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Teacher Fellowship applications open
Teacher Leaders for Native Futures Fellowship applications due April 6, 2026, from NAU’s Institute for Native-Serving Educations. Visit website to learn more and to apply!
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Research study opportunity!
An ASU Ph.D. candidate, J’shon Lee, is recruiting K-12 social studies teachers for a study about teacher relationship to the Land and how teachers make decisions about curriculum in relation to the Land and local Native communities. Participants must teach in a K-12 public school setting, work in or around the Phoenix metro area, and be willing to share existing curriculum. If selected, participants engage in interviews and receive a $200 gift card. If interested, complete a questionnaire, or contact J’shon at jjlee17@asu.edu.
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Teacher nominations open! AZLA
The AZ Language Association is accepting nominations for the following.
- Outstanding World Language Teacher Awards – due March 31, 2026
- Teacher of the Year – due May 31, 2026
Visit website to learn more and how to apply.
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🎓 Share: Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit
The toolkit provides research, recommendations, and resources for wearing tribal regalia at commencement ceremonies. It is a legal right as tribal members to wear tribal regalia and items of cultural significance to school promotions and graduations under Arizona Revised Statute 15-348. As students and families prepare for spring graduations, please consult the toolkits for guidance. Click the images below to view, or visit website for information.
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For Students & Families
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For School/District Administrators & Governing Boards
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Free webinar: Carrying the Past, Creating the Future
To help bridge the gap between indigenous youth and elders. Encouraging open and honest dialogue around Indigenous mental health and community. Join webinar the 4th Friday of every month between February and June 2026, from 10am-11am. Register for the virtual event and join the conversation.
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Tribal Family Survey
Parents families can provide feedback on how the Reading League AZ can provide the best support and resources. To learn more about the chapter and how to be a member, visit website.
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Mental Health Forum – Yuma, AZ
“Building Healthy Futures for Youth” on April 18, 2026 from 9am to 2:30pm, at AZ Western College in Yuma, AZ. Free event with breakfast and lunch! Register online today. Open to students, parents, guardians, educators, and health professionals!
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On February 20, OIE hosted the Johnson O’Malley Indian Education Committee training. Just under 80 participants from across Arizona participated in the full day event.
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