ADA, Okla. – The NASNTI REACHE Program at East Central University continues to provide crucial support to the university, its students, staff, faculty and the surrounding community.
ECU is distinguished as a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI). The U.S. Department of Education awards grant funding to NASNTI-designated institutions to expand services and resources that support Native American or Pell-eligible students in completing a higher education degree.
The NASNTI REACHE (Resources to Enhance Achievement and Completion in Higher Education) Program at ECU offers Native American or Pell eligible students’ opportunities for research internships, faculty mentoring, field related student employment, distance learning resources, advising, tutoring and other high-impact educational experiences. The program also hosts activities each semester that foster campus engagement and student connection.
In addition to direct student support, NASNTI REACHE has made significant investments in campus facilities to enhance learning environments across ECU. Since 2017, the program has supported campus through hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources and improvements to the ECU Linscheid Library, including group and individual study rooms, a Digital Humanities Lab, an Active Learning Center, updated technology, furnishings, learning supplies and expanded collections.
While NASNTI REACHE funding is designed to support Native American or Pell-eligible students, the resources and improvements made possible through the program are intentionally available to all ECU students, faculty and staff, strengthening the university’s learning environment campus-wide.
Notable contributions include the creation of three group study rooms in 2017, the establishment of the Digital Humanities Lab and four individual study rooms in 2018, and the conversion of the library’s instruction room into an Active Learning Center in 2021. Continued investments through 2026 include upgraded technology such as new iMac computers, a large-format printer, streaming video resources, virtual reality headsets, a recording studio, furniture upgrades and additional learning materials.
Beyond the library, NASNTI REACHE has also assisted other areas of campus, including support to the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center and additional university buildings, further expanding access to modern, student-centered learning spaces.
In addition to providing funding for building and equipment upgrades, NASNTI REACHE also offers a significant number of other services including professional development for staff and faculty, 24/7 online tutoring and mentoring for students, access to student support software such as Grammarly, a laptop and hotspot loaner program, referrals to various departments based on student needs and more.
The program continues to work hand-in-hand with departments and services across campus, such as the Academic Success Center, Student Employment, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Housing and Residential Life, Health and Counseling Services and Athletics, only to name a few.
Opportunities for students to participate in trips to tribal lands and reservations across the nation are also provided. As well as an Indigenous Alternative Spring Break (IASB) to Hawaii, organized in partnership with the Pacific Island Institute, to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Native Hawaiians, serving as an exciting but educational experience for students who may have limited access to experiential learning opportunities.
Through its continued commitment to student achievement, campus infrastructure and cultural engagement, the NASNTI REACHE Program remains a vital resource in helping ECU students not only succeed, but thrive, in higher education.
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