NEST Act

To support the education of Indian children. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native Educator Support and Training Act NEST Act I Student assistance A Scholarships for the study of education and school administration 101. Scholarship programs for educators of Indian students and Indian educators Part B of title II of the Higher Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1031 et seq. 6 Indian educator scholarship program 259A. Purpose; definitions (a) Purpose The purposes of this subpart are— (1) to carry out the United States trust responsibility for the education of Indian children; and (2) to provide a more stable base of education professionals with an understanding of the needs of Indian students to serve in early childhood education programs, public elementary schools and secondary schools, schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, the Department of Education, State educational agencies, tribal education agencies, and local educational agencies. (b) Definitions In this subpart: (1) The term Indian (2) The term Bureau-funded school 25 U.S.C. 2021 (3) The term Native-serving institution of higher education (4) The term tribal educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7452 (5) The term Bureau of Indian Education early childhood development program 25 U.S.C. 2019 (6) The term tribal early childhood education program (A) An American Indian or Alaska Native Head Start or Early Head Start program carried out under the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq. (B) A tribal child care and development program carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq. (C) A program serving children from birth through age 6 that— (i) receives funding support from the Native American language preservation and maintenance program carried out under section 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 ( 42 U.S.C. 2991b–3 (ii) is a tribal prekindergarten program; (iii) is a program authorized under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1419 20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. (iv) is a center-based or group-based early childhood learning or development program that the Secretary determines shall be included under this definition, after receiving a request from an Indian tribe. 259B. Terms and conditions of scholarship contracts (a) In General Unless otherwise specified, a scholarship grant under this subpart shall have the terms and conditions described in this section. (b) Contents of contract (1) In general The written contract between the Secretary and the individual receiving a scholarship grant under this subpart shall contain the following: (A) A statement that the Secretary agrees to provide the individual with a scholarship in accordance with section 259C, 259D, or 259E, as the case may be. (B) A statement that the individual agrees— (i) to accept the relevant scholarship under this subpart; (ii) to maintain enrollment in the course of study for which the scholarship was awarded until the individual completes the course of study; (iii) while enrolled in such course of study, to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing (as determined by the Secretary, taking into account the requirements of the institution of higher education offering such course of study); and (iv) to serve, through full-time employment at an eligible school or eligible service employer (as described under section 259C, 259D, or 259E, as the case may be), for a time period (referred to in this section as the period of obligated service (I) 1 year for the equivalent of each school year for which the individual was provided a scholarship under this subpart; or (II) 3 years. (C) A statement of the damages to which the United States is entitled, under subsection (d), for the individual’s breach of the contract. (D) Any other relevant statements of the rights and liabilities of the Secretary and of the individual, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. (2) Period of obligated service (A) In General The recipient of a scholarship grant under this subpart shall be required to carry out a period of obligated service, as described in paragraph (1)(B)(iv). (B) Deferment (i) In general At the request of an individual who has entered into a contract described in this subsection, the Secretary shall grant a deferment for the period of obligated service of such individual under such contract for any of the following reasons: (I) Advanced study For advanced study to enable such individual to complete a course of study— (aa) leading to an advanced degree in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education or school administration; or (bb) needed to become certified by a State or Indian tribe to teach, for an appropriate period (in years, as determined by the Secretary). (II) Family and medical leave For family or medical leave for a period in alignment with section 102 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2612 (III) Military service If the individual is a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a member of such Armed Forces in a retired status, and such individual is called or ordered to active duty (as defined in section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code), such individual shall be eligible for a deferment during the period of active duty and for an appropriate period (as determined by the Secretary) after returning from active duty. (ii) Conditions of deferment A deferment granted under this subparagraph shall be subject to the following conditions: (I) The deferment period shall not be counted as satisfying any period of obligated service that is required under this section. (II) The period of obligated service of the individual shall commence at the later of— (aa) 90 days after the completion of the deferment period; (bb) the commencement of the first school year at the school where the individual has been hired that begins after the completion of the deferment; or (cc) a date specified by the Secretary. (C) Part-time study In the case of an individual receiving a scholarship under this subpart who is enrolled part-time in an approved course of study— (i) a scholarship under this subpart shall be for a period of years not to exceed the part-time equivalent of 4 years, as determined by the Secretary; (ii) the period of obligated service shall be equal to the greater of— (I) 1 year for the equivalent of each full-time academic year for which the individual was provided a scholarship (as determined by the Secretary by adding the fractions of a full-time academic year that each period of part-time attendance comprises); or (II) 2 years; and (iii) the amount of the monthly stipend specified in subsection (c) shall be reduced pro rata, as determined by the Secretary, based on the number of hours of study in which such individual is enrolled. (c) Scholarship (1) In general A scholarship provided to a student under this subpart for a school year shall equal the amount of— (A) the tuition of the student; (B) all other reasonable educational expenses incurred by the student in such school year, including fees, books, laboratory expenses, and other expenses as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a stipend of $800 per month (adjusted in accordance with paragraph (3)) for each of the 12 consecutive months beginning with the first month of such school year. (2) Payment to an institution of higher education The Secretary may contract with an institution of higher education in which a participant in the scholarship program under this subpart is enrolled for the payment to such institution on behalf of the student of the amounts of tuition and other reasonable educational expenses described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1). Payment to such institution may be made without regard to subsections (a) and (b) of section 3324 of title 31, United States Code. (3) Stipend The amount of the monthly stipend described in paragraph (1)(C) shall be increased by the Secretary for each school year ending in a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 2024, by the amount (rounded to the next highest multiple of $1) equal to the amount of such stipend multiplied by the percentage adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule taking effect under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, during the fiscal year in which such school year ends (if such adjustment is an increase). (d) Liability; failure To complete the period of obligated service; repayment (1) Liability An individual who has entered into a written contract with the Secretary under this section shall be liable to the United States for the amount which has been paid to, or on behalf of, such individual under the contract, if such individual— (A) fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing in the institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled (as determined by the Secretary taking into account the requirements of the institution of higher education offering such course of study); (B) is dismissed from such institution of higher education for disciplinary reasons; (C) voluntarily terminates the training in such institution of higher education for which such individual is provided a scholarship under such contract before the completion of such training; or (D) fails to accept payment, or instructs the institution of higher education in which such individual is enrolled not to accept payment, under this section. (2) Failure to complete the period of obligated service An individual who has entered into a written contract with the Secretary under this section may petition the Secretary to delay the date on which the individual would otherwise be required to begin the period of obligated service if such individual has not succeeded in obtaining employment required by this section. In support of such petition, the individual shall supply such reasonable information as the Secretary may require. The Secretary shall retain full discretion regarding the decision about whether to grant or decline such a delay and to determine the duration of any delay that is granted. (3) Repayment (A) In general An individual who has entered into a written contract with the Secretary under this section and who is liable for any amount of damages which the United States is entitled to recover under this subsection shall— (i) begin payment of such damages to the United States within 1 year of the date of the breach or on such later date as specified by the Secretary; and (ii) repay the amount of such damages in full following a schedule and by a deadline determined by the Secretary. (B) Recovery of damages If damages described in subparagraph (A) are delinquent for 3 months, the Secretary shall, for the purpose of recovering such damages— (i) utilize collection agencies contracted with by the Administrator of the General Services Administration; or (ii) enter into contracts for the recovery of such damages with collection agencies selected by the Secretary. (C) Contracts for recovery of damages Each contract for recovering damages pursuant to this paragraph shall provide that the contractor will, not less than once every 6 months, submit to the Secretary a status report on the success of the contractor in collecting such damages. Section 3718 of title 31, United States Code, shall apply to any such contract to the extent not inconsistent with this subsection. (4) Death Upon the death of an individual who receives, or has received, a scholarship under this subpart, any obligation of such individual for service or payment that relates to such scholarship shall be canceled. (5) Waiver (A) Required waiver The Secretary shall provide for the partial or total waiver or suspension of any obligation of service or payment of a recipient of a scholarship under this subpart, if the Secretary determines that— (i) it is not possible for the recipient to meet the obligation or make the payment; (ii) requiring the recipient to meet the obligation or make the payment would result in extreme hardship to the recipient; or (iii) the enforcement of the requirement to meet the obligation or make the payment would be unconscionable. (B) Permissible waiver Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for other good cause shown, the Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, the right of the United States to recover funds made available under this section. (6) Bankruptcy (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to a recipient of a scholarship under this subpart, no obligation for payment may be released by a discharge in bankruptcy under title 11. (B) Exception The prohibition described in subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) such discharge is granted after the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the initial date on which that payment is due; and (ii) the bankruptcy court finds that the nondischarge of the obligation would be unconscionable. (e) Applicability of other provisions Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual receiving a scholarship under this subpart shall continue to be eligible for any other grant programs and loan forgiveness programs for which the individual would otherwise be eligible. 259C. Indian student educator scholarship program (a) Grants authorized (1) In general The Secretary shall provide to each eligible applicant who is accepted for a scholarship under this section with a scholarship grant in each school year or years for a period during which such individual is pursuing a course of study in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or school administration at an institution of higher education. (2) Designation Scholarships made under paragraph (1) shall be designated Indian student educator scholarships (b) Eligibility (1) In general The Secretary shall select which eligible applicants will receive an Indian student educator scholarship under subsection (a). (2) Criteria In order to be eligible to receive an Indian student educator scholarship, an individual shall— (A) be accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, as a full-time or part-time student in a course of study in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or school administration at an institution of higher education; (B) submit an application to participate in the Indian educator scholarship program at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall determine; and (C) sign and submit to the Secretary, at the time that such application is submitted, a written contract as described in section 259B, which shall include a commitment to serve through full-time employment at an eligible school for the period of obligated service. (c) Eligible schools An individual shall be considered to be serving, through full-time employment at an eligible school, as required under section 259B(b)(1)(B)(iv), if the individual is employed full-time— (1) in a Bureau-funded school, including a Bureau of Indian Education early childhood development program; (2) in a public elementary school or secondary school that serves a significant number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes; (3) in a tribal early childhood education program; or (4) in a federally-funded early childhood education program that serves a significant number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes. (d) Placement assistance The Secretary shall assist the recipient of an Indian educator scholarship in learning about placement opportunities in eligible schools by transmitting the name and educational credentials of such recipient to— (1) State educational agency clearinghouses for recruitment and placement of early childhood, kindergarten, elementary school, and secondary school teachers and school administrators in States with a significant number of Indian children; (2) Bureau of Indian Education early childhood development programs; (3) elementary schools and secondary schools that are Bureau-funded schools; and (4) tribal educational agencies. 259D. Indian educator scholarship program (a) Grants authorized (1) In general The Secretary shall provide to each eligible applicant who is accepted for a scholarship under this section with a scholarship grant in each school year or years for a period during which such individual is pursuing a course of study in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or school administration at an institution of higher education. (2) Designation Scholarships made under paragraph (1) shall be designated Indian educator scholarships (b) Eligibility (1) In general The Secretary shall select which eligible applicants will receive an Indian educator scholarship under subsection (a). (2) Criteria In order to be eligible to receive an Indian educator scholarship, an individual shall— (A) be an Indian; (B) be accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, as a full-time or part-time student in a course of study in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or school administration at an institution of higher education; (C) submit an application to participate in the Indian educator scholarship program at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall determine; and (D) sign and submit to the Secretary, at the time that such application is submitted, a written contract as described in section 259B, which shall include a commitment to serve through full-time employment at an eligible school for the period of obligated service. (c) Eligible schools An individual shall be considered to be serving, through full-time employment at an eligible school, as required under as section 259B(b)(1)(B)(iv), if the individual is employed full-time— (1) in a Bureau-funded school, including a Bureau of Indian Education early childhood development program; (2) in a public elementary school or secondary school that is in the school district of a local educational agency which is eligible during the period of obligated service for assistance under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. (3) in a tribal early childhood education program; or (4) in a federally-funded early childhood education program that serves a significant number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes. (d) Placement assistance The Secretary shall assist the recipient of an Indian educator scholarship in learning about placement opportunities in eligible schools by transmitting the name and educational credentials of such recipient to— (1) State educational agency clearinghouses for recruitment and placement of kindergarten, elementary school, and secondary school teachers and school administrators in States with a significant number of Indian children; (2) Bureau of Indian Education early childhood development programs; (3) elementary schools and secondary schools that are Bureau-funded schools; and (4) tribal educational agencies. 259E. Indian educator graduate fellowship program (a) Grants authorized (1) In general The Secretary shall make scholarship grants in accordance with this section to Indians who are enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in institutions of higher education and pursuing a graduate level course of study in education or school administration. (2) Designation Scholarships made under paragraph (1) shall be designated Indian educator graduate fellowships (b) Eligibility (1) In general The Secretary shall select which eligible applicants will receive an Indian educator graduate fellowship under subsection (a). (2) Criteria In order to be eligible to receive an Indian educator graduate fellowship, an individual shall— (A) be an Indian; (B) be accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, as a full-time or part-time student in a graduate level course of study in education or school administration at an institution of higher education; (C) submit an application to participate in the Indian educator graduate fellowship program at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall determine; and (D) sign and submit to the Secretary, at the time that such application is submitted, a written contract as described in section 259B, which shall include a commitment to serve through full-time employment at an eligible service employer for the period of obligated service. (c) Eligible service employers An individual shall be considered to be serving, through full-time employment at an eligible service employer, as required under section 259B(b)(1)(B)(iv), if the individual is employed full-time— (1) in a Bureau-funded school; (2) in a public elementary school or secondary school that serves a significant number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes; (3) by a Native-serving institution of higher education; (4) in a tribal early childhood education program; (5) in a federally-funded early childhood education program that serves a significant number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes; (6) for a tribal educational agency; (7) for a State educational agency or local educational agency that serves a significant number of Indian students, as defined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes; (8) for the Department of Education; or (9) for the Bureau of Indian Education. (d) Placement assistance The Secretary shall assist the recipient of an Indian educator graduate fellowship in learning about placement opportunities in eligible service employers in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate. . B Loan forgiveness for Indian educators 111. Loan forgiveness for educators working in Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools and local educational agencies with a high percentage of American Indian students (a) Part B loans Section 428J of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078–10 (1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (c), has been employed (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (4) Additional amounts for educators in Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools and local educational agencies with a high percentage of American Indian students Notwithstanding the amount specified in paragraph (1) and the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), the aggregate amount that the Secretary shall repay under this section shall be not less than $17,500 in the case of a borrower who has been employed as a full-time teacher or school administrator for 5 consecutive complete school years as— (A) a teacher or school administrator in a local educational agency described in section 6112(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; or (B) a teacher or school administrator in a Bureau-funded school (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2021 . (b) Part D loans Section 460 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087j (1) in subsection (b)(1) by inserting subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (c), has been employed (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (4) Additional amounts for educators in Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools and local educational agencies with a high percentage of American Indian students Notwithstanding the amount specified in paragraph (1) and the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), the aggregate amount that the Secretary shall cancel under this section shall be not less than $17,500 in the case of a borrower who has been employed as a full-time teacher or school administrator for 5 consecutive complete school years as— (A) a teacher or school administrator in a local educational agency described in section 6112(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; or (B) a teacher or school administrator in a Bureau-funded school (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2021 . 112. Loan forgiveness for American Indian educators (a) Part B loans Section 428J(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078–10(c) (5) Additional amounts for American Indian educators Notwithstanding the amount specified in paragraph (1) and the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), the aggregate amount that the Secretary shall repay under this section shall be not less than $17,500 in the case of a borrower who— (A) has been employed as a full-time teacher or school administrator for 5 consecutive complete school years in— (i) a Bureau-funded elementary school or secondary school (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2021 (ii) a public elementary school or secondary school that is in the school district of a local educational agency which is eligible during the period of obligated service for assistance under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. (B) is a member of an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 . (b) Part D loans Section 460(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087j(c) (5) Additional amounts for American Indian educators Notwithstanding the amount specified in paragraph (1) and the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), the aggregate amount that the Secretary shall cancel under this section shall be not less than $17,500 in the case of a borrower who— (A) has been employed as a full-time teacher or school administrator for 5 consecutive complete school years in— (i) a Bureau-funded elementary school or secondary school (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2021 (ii) a public elementary school or secondary school that is in the school district of a local educational agency which is eligible during the period of obligated service for assistance under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. (B) is a member of an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 . 113. Cancellation of loans for educators teaching in Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools and Native American language immersion programs Section 465(a)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087ee(a)(2) (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (i)(II), by striking or (B) in clause (ii), by inserting or (C) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: (iii) in an elementary school or secondary school that is a Bureau-funded school (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2021 and (2) in subparagraph (G), by inserting Native American language immersion, foreign languages, II Institutional aid A Professional development grants for Native-serving elementary schools and secondary schools 201. National Board certification incentive program Subpart 2 of part A of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7441 et seq. 6123. National Board certification incentive program (a) Purposes The purposes of this section are— (1) to improve the skills of qualified individuals who are Indian (as defined by section 103 of the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2902 (2) to provide an incentive for qualified educators to continue to utilize their enhanced skills in elementary schools and secondary schools serving Indian communities; and (3) to increase the retention of highly skilled Indian educators in elementary schools and secondary schools seeking to better incorporate Indian culture and history into the general curriculum. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Bureau-funded school The term Bureau-funded school 25 U.S.C. 2021 (2) Eligible entities The term eligible entity (A) a State educational agency in consortium with an institution of higher education; (B) a local educational agency in consortium with an institution of higher education; (C) an Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with a local educational agency and an institution of higher education; (D) an Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with a Bureau-funded school and an institution of higher education; or (E) a Bureau-funded school in consortium with an institution of higher education. (3) Eligible educators The term eligible educator (A) a teacher who teaches a minimum number of Indian students, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian tribes; or (B) a teacher who is Indian. (4) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe 25 U.S.C. 5304 (c) Program authorized The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible entities having applications approved under this section to enable such eligible entities to— (1) reimburse eligible educators for out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining teacher certification or credentialing by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and (2) provide an increase in annual compensation, in an amount equal to not less than $5,000 and not more than a $10,000, for eligible educators with a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for the duration of the grant under this section. (d) Application (1) In general Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information, as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Special rule In the case of an eligible entity desiring to utilize all or a portion of a grant under this section for eligible educators identified in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(3) who would not also qualify as an eligible educator under subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(3), the eligible entity shall provide an assurance that grant funds will support only those educators who are tribally enrolled or affiliated with an Indian tribe. (e) Awarding of grants In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall determine the amount and length of each grant, which shall not exceed 5 years. (f) Restrictions on compensation increases The Secretary shall require and ensure that individuals who obtain a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards under this section continue to teach at a school served by the eligible entity through which funding for such certification was obtained as a condition of receiving annual compensation increases provided for in this section. (g) Progress reports (1) In general For every year for which Congress allocates funds for grants under this section, the Secretary shall provide a report on the progress of the eligible entities receiving grants under this section in meeting applicable progress standards, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Dissemination The Secretary shall disseminate the report described in this subsection to each of the following: (A) The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. (B) The Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate. (C) The Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (D) The Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives. . B Native language teacher training program grants for Native-serving institutions of higher education 211. Native language teacher training program development grants for tribal colleges and universities and institutions of higher education that serve significant numbers of Native students Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq. (1) by redesignating part G as part H; and (2) by inserting after part F the following: G Native American language teacher training program development 381. Native American language teacher training program development (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to establish a grant program that seeks— (1) to increase the number of well-trained and pedagogically effective Native American language speakers in teaching and other education professions that serve Indian people; (2) to provide ongoing training and professional development to Native American immersion and language instructors to improve their linguistic and pedagogical skills; and (3) to support the efforts of American Indian and Alaska Native communities to effectively revitalize, maintain, and teach their languages, as envisioned in the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 2991b–3 (b) Definition of eligible institution In this section, the term eligible institution (1) An institution eligible to receive funding under section 316, 317(b), or 319(b). (2) A consortium of 2 or more institutions described in paragraph (1). (c) Grant program authorized (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the Native American Language Teacher Training Program, under which the Secretary shall provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to promote the recruitment and training of Native immersion and language teachers to further support the revitalization, maintenance, and use of Native American languages in the classroom. (2) Duration A grant under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of not more than 5 years. (3) Application (A) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (B) Application paperwork reduction (i) The Secretary shall establish application requirements in such a manner as to simplify and streamline the process for applying for grants under this section. (ii) The Secretary shall not require any Tribal College or University, as defined in section 316, applying individually for a grant under this section, to submit any separate, preliminary, or additional grant eligibility application or information because of the institution's status as a Tribal College or University. (C) Inclusion An application under this paragraph shall include a plan for the program proposed to be carried out by the eligible institution, including— (i) a description of a 5-year strategy for meeting the Native immersion teacher recruitment and training needs of American Indians or Alaska Natives, as appropriate, in the population served by the institution, including a description of any partnerships with tribal, local, or Bureau-operated educational agencies; (ii) an identification of the American Indian or Alaska Native population to be served by the eligible institution; (iii) an identification of the status of the target Native American language or languages used within the population; (iv) a description of the professional development and degree services to be provided under the program, including the manner in which the services will be integrated with other appropriate activities and programs; and (v) a description, to be prepared in consultation with the Secretary, of the performance measures to be used to assess the performance of the eligible institution carrying out the program. (D) Requirement A program plan under subparagraph (C) shall be consistent with the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Use of funds (1) Required activities A grantee shall use grant funds provided under this section to carry out the following activities: (A) Development of a new Native American immersion and language teacher training program that leads to State or tribal teacher certification. (B) Support and expansion of an existing Native American immersion and language teacher training program that leads to a State or tribal teacher certification. (C) Development and delivery of professional development workshops and courses aimed at improving the immersion and language acquisition pedagogical practices of Native American immersion and language teachers. (2) Allowable activities A grantee may use grant funds provided under this section to carry out additional activities, including— (A) curriculum development and academic instruction, including educational activities, programs, and partnerships relating to students in prekindergarten through grade 12; (B) development and establishment of a national Native American immersion and language teacher best practices guideline or certification; (C) professional development for institutional faculty or for elementary and secondary education administrators and educational support staff; and (D) innovative Native American language and immersion program classroom research for students in prekindergarten through grade 12. (e) Concurrent funding An eligible institution that receives a grant under this section may concurrently receive funds under section 316, 317, or 319. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. .

Summary: Native Educator Support and Training Act or the NEST Act This bill establishes scholarships, loan forgiveness plans, and training programs for students and educators who commit to teaching in Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools or other specified schools serving Indian students. The bill establishes three scholarship programs: (1) the Indian Student Educator Scholarship Program for students seeking degrees, (2) the Indian Educator Scholarship Program for Indian students seeking degrees, and (3) the Indian Educator Graduate Fellowship Program for Indian students seeking graduate degrees. Recipients of the scholarships must commit to working for a BIE school, a tribal early childhood education program, or other specified schools or agencies for the greater of three years or the number of school years that the scholarship funded. The bill also establishes loan forgiveness programs for educators and Indians who have taught for at least five consecutive years at BIE schools or local educational agencies with high percentages of Indian students. The bill extends the federal Perkins Loan Cancellation Program to educators teaching in BIE schools or in Native American language immersion programs. The bill authorizes professional development grants for Native-serving elementary and secondary schools. It also establishes the Native American Language Teacher Training Program to provide grants for institutions of higher education to develop training programs for Native American immersion and language teachers.