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Background
The Issue: The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council envisioned an education initiative that creates a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics curriculum that is also embedded with Ute arts, language, culture, and traditions. Keystone Policy Center was selected to work with Ute Mountain Ute leaders to make that vision a reality.
At the direction of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council, educators, and families, Keystone Policy Center facilitated strategic planning to develop an innovative, culturally-based education system for students on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation and their families. A central pillar of the plan is to integrate Ute arts, language, and culture into all levels of education and curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, (Native) arts, and math (STEAM) to prepare children, youth, and families for the workplace of the future. The project, known as Growing Ute Futures, provides an innovative, student-focused model of learning and support for all students of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Our Approach
Keystone worked with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for nearly two years in a planning phase to develop the program and curriculum. Keystone provided education expertise along with support to help the Tribe submit a grant request from the state’s Response, Innovation, and Student Equity (RISE) fund—which the Tribe was awarded. Keystone also brought together additional funding partners, charter school experts, and other partners that were critical to help the Tribe implement their education vision.
“Keystone Policy Center has been a valuable partner assisting the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in developing and implementing this cultural, life-long educational approach for our community,” said Manuel Heart, chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council. “We are grateful for the expertise and experience they have brought to this initiative.”
Results
With the RISE grant in place, Keystone Policy Center shifted from planning and development to implementation at the direction of the Tribal Council. IN the Fall of 2021, Keystone joined with the Ute Mountain Ute leaders to host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Kwiyagat Community Academy (KCA). The event featured several Ute Mountain Ute education leaders, Tribal Council members, and elders participating in the program. The Kwiyagat Community Academy, the first school located on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation, opened with 27 students enrolled in kindergarten and first grade. The school is a key component of Growing Ute Futures and is already making an impact within the community.
RISE grant funding for Growing Ute Futures expired in 2023 but the program has built in further development and expansion of the initiative. KCA aims to add one grade each year of approximately 15-20 students per grade over the next five years until the school enrolls 90-120 students in grades K-5. Tutoring, secondary school transitions, and language preservation programs are set to continue as additional partners and funding become available.
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