Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion

The Administration for Native Americans will be soliciting applications for the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion program (EMI). The program funds community-based projects that ensure continuing vitality of Native languages through immersion-based instruction. Programs funded under EMI must meet the requirements for either a Native American Language Nest, or a Native American Survival School. As defined by Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act (42 U.S.C. § 2991b-3(b)(7)), Language Nests are "site-based educational programs that- (i) provide instruction and child care through the use of a Native American language for at least 5 children under the age of 7 for an average of at least 500 hours per year per student," and Native American Survival Schools are "site-based educational programs for school-age students that- (i) provide an average of at least 500 hours of instruction through the use of 1 or more Native American languages for at least 10 students for whom a Native American language survival school is their principal place of instruction."

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §2991b and 45 CFR §1336.33, eligible applicants under this funding opportunity are:Federally recognized Indian tribes, as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Incorporated non-federally recognized tribes; Incorporated state-recognized Indian tribes; Consortia of Indian tribes; Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations (Including Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. § 1603(29)); Urban Indian Centers; Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs); Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia; Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village-specific projects; Incorporated non-profit Alaska Nativ