The Oyate Consortium consists of five Lakota reservation colleges and universities (Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleske University, Sitting Bull College, Sisseton-Wahpeton Community College, and Si Tanka College). This award follows an initial MIE award that provided substantial network infrastructure, physical infrastructure, personnel infrastructure, and course and curriculum development aimed towards the development of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technical Education (SMETE) capacity at Native American colleges. This award will continue these activities building upon existing infrastructure to develop new information (Information Technology BS and an MS in Environmental Science, articulations with additional non-reservation colleges and universities, and additional outreach to Native American Schools (at least 10). Additionally, methods of institutionalization of the MIE accomplishments will be pursued including the development of an endowment for SMETE capacity and the means for providing housing for faculty and, perhaps, for students at the campus sites.
