Tribal Colleges Extension Programs

There are two programs under the TCEP: Capacity Applications and Special Emphasis. The Tribal Colleges Extension Program-Capacity Applications (TCEP-CA) supports Extension offices that provide practical, science-based lifelong learning opportunities through informal, community-based Extension projects that address agriculture, youths, economic development, healthy lifestyles, natural resources, or other topics important to Tribal communities. The Tribal Colleges Extension Program-Special Emphasis (TCEP-SE) supports short-term, community-based Extension projects that address youth, agriculture, natural resources, economic development, healthy lifestyles, or other topics important to the Tribal communities. Extension Special Emphasis projects are responsive to community needs and deliver informal, science-based, culturally relevant educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions that improve their quality of life. The FRTEP seeks to continue the Land-grant mission of providing education and research-based knowledge to those who might not otherwise receive it, providing funding for Extension programs that address the unique needs of Tribal communities. The FRTEP supports the development and delivery of informal education and outreach activities, aiming to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of individuals and families on tribal lands.

TCEP-CA and TCEP-SE: Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities designated as 1994 Land-grant Institutions by legislation. These programs are authorized under Section 534(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), as amended by the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7601). This section amends Section 3 of the Act of May 8, 1914 (Smith-Lever Act) (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.). Under this authority, appropriated funds are to be awarded to the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (hereinafter referred to as 1994 Institutions) for Extension work. FRTEP: Applications will only be accepted if submitted by 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities. The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), shall establish appropriate extension education programs on Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions (7 U.S.C. 5930). This program is listed under Section 3(d) of the Act of May 8, 1914, Smith-Lever Act, ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq. Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (P.L. 110-246) amended section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act to require funds to be awarded competitively.

NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, each application is reviewed to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in the NOFO. Second, a peer-review process (https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications) will be used to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of applications that have met the administrative requirements. After each peer review panel has completed deliberations, the responsible NIFA program staff will either recommend an application for support from available funds or decline an application due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

Fiscal year 2025: TCEP-CA: A total of $10,560,000 was awarded to thirty-five 1994 Land-grant Institutions (1994s). Each institution received $273,000 in the fourth year of a 4-year continuation award. TCEP-SE: Information not available. FRTEP: A total of $3,840,000 was awarded to thirty-five 1862 and two 1994 Land-grant Institutions in the fourth year of a 4-year continuation award. Awards ranged from $100,162 to $108,145.