Mohegan Tribe Announces Educational Grant Recipients

Apr 26, 2022

Connecticut Educators to Develop Native American Curriculum

Uncasville, CT (April 26, 2022) – The Mohegan Tribe is pleased to announce the recipients of the Mohegan Tribe Challenge Grant. Each year, the Tribe provides funding to Connecticut educators to develop a curriculum for expanding Native American studies.

“The Challenge Grant program was expanded this year to provide grants to 7 winners and an additional 6 smaller grants to runners up,” said Beth Regan, Vice Chairwoman of the Council of Elders. “We were thrilled to see the creative and innovative ways these teachers planned to incorporate the Native American curriculum into their classrooms to enhance the understanding of our Tribal culture and traditions,” Regan added.

Grant recipients come from various areas of the state, and are from elementary, middle and high schools this year. The list of winners for 2022 include:

  • Joel Barlow HS of Redding, CT - AP US History, Grade 11
  • Scotland Elementary School of Scotland, CT - Grade 4
  • Integrated Day Charter School of Norwich, CT - Grades 2 +3
  • The Lawrence School of Middletown, CT – Grades 3 + 5
  • Southeast Elementary School of Mansfield City, CT - Grade 3
  • Oswegatchie School of Waterford, CT, -Grade 4
  • Clark Lane Middle School of Waterford, CT - Grade 8

The runners up include:

  • New Britain High School of New Britain CT - Grade 9
  • Maloney High School, Meriden, CT - Grades 9-12
  • Rockville High School of Vernon CT - Grade 11
  • Gainfield Elementary School of Southbury, CT - Grade 4
  • Mansfield Middle School of Storrs, CT - Grade 8
  • Natchaug School of Willimantic CT - Grade 4 + 5

The Mohegan Tribe Challenge Grant program was established in 2003 to invite elementary, middle school and high school teachers throughout the state to submit applications which describe their approach to developing a curriculum to address issues of Native American history, traditions and culture, along with Tribal government and sovereignty.

The winners receive grants of $1,000 each and are based on the applicant’s ability to provide the greatest use of all resources. Runners-up received a $500 grant this year. Funding provides educational and classroom materials, as well as a cultural exchange opportunity. The Tribe’s Cultural and Community Programs department sponsors a one-day instructional program with a visit to the school. Selected school groups are also given a complimentary field trip to the Mohegan Tribe’s Tantaquidgeon Museum, the nation’s oldest Native American owned and operated museum, and have a chance to see first-hand the archives and artifacts that are a vital part of the Tribe’s history.