The Title VI Indian Education Program provides culturally grounded support to American Indian students across Rapid City Area Schools. Our mission is to empower Native youth by connecting them to their history, languages, and traditions, instilling pride, confidence, and academic success.

We also work with educators to integrate Oceti Sakowin culture, history, and identity into classrooms district wide.

2025–2026 Grant Objectives

1. Increase knowledge of cultural identity and awareness

2. Increase Native American Language Instruction programs

3. Increase at-risk student support

4. Increase graduation rate

Program Services & Activities

• OSEU-Aligned Curriculum
  Integration of Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings (OSEUs) into instructional curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

• OSEU Lesson Plan Database
  A resource for educators, recognized as an exemplar by the WoLakota Project and the South Dakota Department of Education. Includes over 1,000 culturally responsive lessons.

• Professional Development
  Training for educators on how to embed OSEUs into academic instruction.

• Lakota Language Instructional Pathway
  Offered at 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.

• Graduation Success Coaches
  Staff who mentor and guide Native students toward graduation.

• Student Support Services
  Culturally responsive mental health and crisis support for students and families, including suicide prevention and healing-centered care.

• Family & Cultural Events
  Community gatherings that celebrate Native traditions and strengthen school-family relationships.

• Back-to-School Resources
  Events and materials to help students start the school year strong.

Contact Us:

For questions or more information, please contact:
Kara Big Crow
Title VI Manager
kara.bigcrow@k12.sd.us