NEST Act

The NEST Act establishes scholarship programs to support Native American educators and those studying to work with Indian students. It provides financial assistance for education in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or school administration fields, requiring recipients to work in eligible schools for a period equal to their scholarship duration (minimum 3 years). The bill also creates loan forgiveness options for educators working in schools serving Indian students or for Indian educators themselves. Additionally, it funds professional development grants for schools serving Native communities and supports Native language teacher training programs at higher education institutions. The legislation directly affects Native American students, educators, and schools serving Indian communities by aiming to increase culturally competent educators in these settings.