AN ANALYSIS OF THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STUDENTS, NATIVE AMERICANS, BIA, FINANCIAL AID)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Assistance Program (HEAP). The legislation and regulations which established and govern the Program, perceptions of BIA and college financial aid staff, and perceived needs of Indian students were described, using historical, legal, and survey research. A survey of all full-time Indian undergraduates in Los Angeles and Orange counties (California) yielded 162 useable responses. Two BIA officials and six financial aid officers were interviewed.;Lack of communication between the BIA and the campus financial aid offices is a problem. In past years, Indians have been denied their fair share of USOE student aid. It took 17 lawsuits, Office of Civil Rights intervention, and a memorandum of understanding to eliminate discrimination against Indians in the awarding of aid. Although the financial aid staff were well acquainted with USOE programs, few had adequate knowledge about the Higher Education Assistance Program.;The survey showed the typical Indian student as a single mother, age 28, who lives off-campus with her children. HEAP students tended to be from lower SES backgrounds, with higher Indian blood quantum, than other Indian students. Most of the students were urbanized, and few spoke their tribal languages. Unlike in previous studies, business, computer science, engineering, and the physical and life sciences emerged as popular majors. Nearly all planned at least a B.A., and nearly 40% planned graduate work. Parents were supportive of higher education, but lack of finances and poor study habits were common barriers. Slightly more than half felt that they were adequately funded by HEAP, but late checks and rude BIA staff were cited by many.;Findings indicated that HEAP is a loosely structured program which probably originated with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. Some tribes now contract to award their own HEAP grants, but most are still administered by the BIA. The Bureau has many problems, including high staff turnover, underfunding, and inconsistent direction from Washington, which impact on HEAP. Part of the Indian community has clamored for BIA-funded counselors to supplement the services available on the campuses; however, study findings indicated that the vast majority of Indian students preferred increased direct funding over augmented services.