The proposed bill establishes a state matching grant program aimed at supporting American Indian and Alaska Native students in Washington. It recognizes the importance of preserving their cultural heritage and aims to enhance educational opportunities that affirm their identity and history. The program will match federal funding from the Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1 grant, which is designed to meet the unique educational needs of these students. The bill emphasizes the need for culturally relevant programming and partnerships between schools and tribal communities to address historical underidentification and promote academic success.

The bill outlines the administration of the grant program by the office of native education, which will award grants to eligible school districts and state-tribal education compact schools that have received federal funding. To qualify for state grants, these institutions must submit a strategic plan detailing their goals and outcomes for supporting American Indian and Alaska Native students. The bill also mandates tribal consultation for larger grants and requires meaningful parental involvement. Additionally, the office of the superintendent of public instruction will provide technical assistance for accessing federal funding and will report annually to the legislature on the grants awarded and their outcomes.