JOM
Ensuring Educational Opportunities Through the Johnson O’Malley Act
The Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Act was established in 1934 to address the unique social, economic and cultural needs of eligible Indian students enrolled in public and previously private schools. While amended in the years since, its main objective remains: to ensure that eligible American Indian and Alaska Native children receive educational opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them. This objective is achieved through local JOM programs, which provide vital resources and support to meet the specific educational needs of Native students.
There are two main requirements under the JOM act to assure parent participation and control: (1) The Indian Education Committee (IEC) and (2) The Education Plan.
JOM Program Overview and Participation Guidelines
The federal government under the authority of the JOM Act provides supplementary financial assistance to meet the unique and special educational needs of eligible Indian children ages 3 through grade 12 in public schools.
JOM funds are intended to supplement, not replace, federal, state, or local funds. They support various programs and activities such as academic remediation, tutoring, preschool programs, summer school, cultural enrichment, field trips, transportation, medical examinations, and school supplies. These funds are distributed through contracts with tribes, tribal organizations, public school districts, and state departments of education.
Student Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for JOM benefits, students must provide documentation showing that they, their parent, or grandparent are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe. This includes students who may not possess ¼ blood degree but can establish a direct lineage to a Tribal member. As per 25 CFR 273.112, a student is eligible if they are:
- An enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe, or
- A descendant of a Tribal member, with at least one parent or grandparent (living or deceased) who is enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe.
Note: Native Hawaiian students are eligible for JOM assistance, but Canadian Indian students are not.
JOM Student Certification Form
All JOM students must complete the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) JOM Student Certification Form. This form gathers key information in three sections: one about the student, one about the parent, and one about the grandparent. A designated section is reserved for tribal enrollment officials to verify and sign, confirming that the student, parent, or grandparent is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
Download the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) JOM Student Certification Form. Once completed, send or email the form to:
The MCT JOM Program
Attn: Billie Annette
PO Box 217
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Email: bannette@mnchippewatribe.org
JOM Parent Committee (PC)
The JOM Parent Committee (PC) serves as the governing body for each JOM project, made up of parents and guardians of eligible JOM students. The committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all JOM requests, including the education plan, various reports, and the yearly budget. Additionally, all JOM expenditures must receive approval from the Parent Committee.
For more information please download the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe JOM Program PC Guide or email bannette@mnchippewatribe.org.