Nevada’s American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students face persistent gaps in attendance and graduation, and a structural data problem compounds these outcomes because the state counts only students who self-identify solely as AI/AN, likely undercounting the true Native student population. For years, Nevada’s Office of Indian Education sought a formal plan to guide the state’s work on behalf of these students.
This impact story describes how the Western Educational Equity Assistance Center (WEEAC) at WestEd provided sustained technical assistance to help Nevada develop and launch its Plan to Improve Outcomes for American Indian Students in Nevada 2025–2030. Combining data analysis, broad community engagement with Tribal leaders and district superintendents, and ongoing thought partnership, the WEEAC built the state’s capacity to own and lead the work. The result is a published 5-year plan with measurable targets—launched at the state’s 2026 American Indian Education Summit—and an expanded Office of Indian Education positioned to lead sustained implementation in the years ahead.
