GRAND FORKS — Turtle Mountain Community College has received more than $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education to create a Research Opportunity Center.

The center — staffed by a research coordinator and a data manager, two newly created positions — will help facilitate research and innovation on campus, according to a project summary.

The research center project “is designed to address looming gaps within the Turtle Mountain TCCU community,” according to the summary. Turtle Mountain’s 28.5 percent poverty rate qualifies it for a waiver of the matching requirement.

In addition to building the research center and related infrastructure, the $1,922,389 grant over four years will allow faculty members to receive training from research experts, particularly in Indigenous research. It will also help expand undergraduate research opportunities, including academic mentors, stipends, travel to research events, and extended experiences for student research assistants, the summary states.

The research center will “not only solve current challenges, but also position TMCC, faculty and students for future growth and success.”

“The TMCC (Research and Development Infrastructure) project is likely to result in significant changes and improvements to the research system,” according to the summary. “Its alignment with TMCC goals, innovative solutions, comprehensive planning, and emphasis on new strategies for faculty and student engagement in research will collectively achieve positive outcomes.”

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