Barona Band of Mission Indians Responds to School Budget Cuts

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - October 24, 2008) - After historically high statewide budget cuts in education this year have left programs underfunded and resources sparse, the Barona Band of Mission Indians continues to lessen the blow with its innovative Barona Education Grant Program. Barona has awarded a total of $610,000 to 122 schools statewide since the program's 2006 inception. Included are 15 Los Angeles-based Soledad Enrichment Action (SEA) schools, which will be presented with $75,000 in grants from Barona on Friday, October 24, 10 a.m. at 2503 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles. SEA schools are designed to provide high-risk youth and their families with alternatives to gangs, drugs and violence through educational services, counseling, exposure to the arts and experiential learning.

The Barona Education Grant program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by an Indian Tribe. Through the endorsement of locally elected state representatives, schools throughout California can apply for $5,000 in educational funding to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement, including books and computers.

"We are encouraged by the overwhelming response of educational institutions and legislative officials with regard to the Barona Education Grant Program," said Rhonda Welch-Scalco, Chairwoman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "Giving children access to the vital tools of learning they desperately need right now is very rewarding. We are proud that we can continue our efforts, making education a priority."

Government officials and community leaders alike endorse the Barona Education Grant Program, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, who commends Barona for its revolutionary work. All schools in California, including charter, public and private, are eligible to apply for the program once per year. One grant is awarded per state legislative district.

"The Barona Education Grant Program is helping schools across the state in ways we could not have anticipated," said Cesar Calderon, executive director of SEA. "They are demonstrating that community support can, indeed, make a difference during difficult times."

The goal of the Barona Education Grant Program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California, building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, one of the top ranked California elementary schools in test score achievement. Applications for the grant may be submitted by a locally elected state official on behalf of the school, or the school may submit the application directly with an endorsement letter by the state legislator representing the area.

Applications can be downloaded online at www.barona-nsn.gov/education/BEGP-Accountability-Form.pdf, and completed applications must be postmarked within 30 days of the written endorsement letter from the state legislator. Schools that receive a grant from the Barona Education Grant Program must submit an accountability report within one year of receiving the grant.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians: California's Education Tribe

The Barona Band of Mission Indians has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in San Diego County since 1932. The Tribe once traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. It is now a sovereign government serving its Tribal members and their families and sharing with the San Diego region. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Audrey Doherty-Benedetto (619) 236-8397 Brook L. Larios (858) 652-8659 Kelly Jacobs Speer (619) 933-5013