Press Release Lumbee Tribe Receives 3.7 Million Dollar Federal Grant to Empower Native Youth
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Press Release
Lumbee Tribe Receives 3.7 Million Dollar Federal Grant to Empower Native Youth
Pembroke, NC (November 24, 2025) – The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is proud to announce the launch of Project CREATE (Career Readiness and Educational Advancement Through Native Youth Empowerment), a transformative initiative funded through a Native Youth Community Project (NYCP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The five-year grant totals $3,773,110.00.
Project CREATE is designed to address the interconnected socio-economic and educational challenges facing Native youth across the Lumbee Tribal Service Area, which includes Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. Through strategic partnerships with the Public Schools of Robeson County, Robeson Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, the project will deliver culturally responsive programming that prepares American Indian students for academic success and future careers.
Key objectives of Project CREATE include:
• Enhancing Early Childhood Education
Serving youth through Pre-K STEM initiatives, targeted tutoring, and reading readiness programs rooted in cultural relevance.
• Advancing College and Career Readiness
Supporting youth with structured college and career exploration, internships, job shadowing, tutoring, and immersive day and residential camps focused on STEM, culture, and academic transitions.
• Strengthening Family and Tribal Engagement
Hosting community meetings, Family STEM events, and providing Navigation Services to connect families with project resources and support.
“This grant represents a powerful investment in the future of our youth,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. “We are honored to continue building pathways of opportunity that reflect the strength, culture, and resilience of the Lumbee people.”
Project CREATE began implementation in October 2025 and aims to foster long-term impact by equipping Native youth with the tools, experiences, and relationships needed to thrive.
See full Press Release attached
Media Contact:
Rita Locklear, Project Director, Project CREATE
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
rjlocklear@lumbeetribe.com, 910-522-2215
