The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has launched a new program aimed at encouraging Indian students to go to college.

The Native Youth Leadership Academy promotes leadership and cultural heritage. Participants will be able to earn college credits at Doane College through courses on ancestors, elders, future generations and community service.

"When we do our job right we will be able to say to them, 'You have the ability to go to college and we need you to do this because you are our next leaders,'" Lisa Bickert, the academy's coordinator, told The Lincoln Journal Star.

The tribe received a $760,000 federal grant for the program.

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Program nurtures Native kids, gardens (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/12)