Michigan State University has launched a new program to expand educational opportunities for Native American students across the country.

The Native American Tuition Advantage Program, or NATAP, gives out of state Indigenous students access to in-state tuition, helping to remove the financial barriers that have made it harder for many people to pursue higher education.

According to Kevin Leonard, head of MSU’s Native American Institute, the idea for the program came after years of conversations between the Native American community, MSU staff, and students.

“A lot of our people were relocated all over the country, all over the North American continent,” Leonard said. “We really felt for those First Nation relatives, we should have something like a tuition reciprocity, where at least they could attend MSU at in-state tuition at the bare minimum.”

Leonard says getting students enrolled is only the first step. He says his department will expand programs, cultural activities, and resources to give students the support they need to succeed and graduate.