Maine DOE Launches Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen the teaching of Wabanaki Studies. School entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education Schools, and Education in Unorganized Territories (EUT) schools are eligible to receive up to $500 to purchase books that support Wabanaki Studies. Eligible books must align with the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies resources and be written by an Indigenous author. This initiative supports the implementation of L.D. 1474, An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools, by expanding access to relevant instructional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit for reimbursement?

Maine school entities, including SAUs, private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education schools, and EUT schools, may submit for reimbursement.

Do I need to buy from a specified vendor?

School entities may choose where to purchase the books.

Where can I find Wabanaki Studies resources that meet the criteria?

The Maine DOE has created guides, lesson plans, and activities available on the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies webpage: https://www.maine.gov/doe/innovation/wabanakistudies/resources

What is the first step for reimbursement?

After purchasing the books, you will be eligible to receive the first half of the reimbursement. To receive the second half, complete the following requirements:

Share your project in two of the following ways:

• Present to your school board.
• Present at a Maine education conference.
• Create a synchronous or asynchronous professional learning video or lesson for the Maine DOE to use or share.
• Submit a model lesson for the Maine DOE to share with other educators.
• Create a “good news” story for the Maine DOE to share.
• Host a professional learning group.

Participants will be required to submit evidence of completion of the two selected activities. Once completed, send the evidence to Brianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

How do I get reimbursed?

After submitting your evidence to the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, email your receipts to Haley Neal, Maine DOE Office Specialist, at haley.neal@maine.gov. Use “Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program” as the subject line.

When will payments be sent out?

Payments will be issued to school entities quarterly after they demonstrate completion of the deliverables. Target quarterly submission deadlines are September 30, December 31, and March 31. Submissions received by these deadlines will be processed and reimbursed accordingly. Submissions received outside these windows will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and reimbursement will be processed upon approval.

With questions, contact Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

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