Projects Invest in Tribal College and University Projects Focused on Geospatial Technologies and Materials Testing for Critical Energy Infrastructure
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
October 15, 2026
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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE), in partnership with DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO), today announced nearly $11.1 million in federal funding for eight projects selected for negotiation through the Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training (PACT) Initiative, including $2.3 million for two IE-supported projects. The projects will create or expand hands-on training and industry-recognized credentialing programs designed around regional workforce needs, helping prepare American workers for critical jobs that support oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal energy industries.
“The Tribal energy workforce is vital to advancing Tribal self-determination and unleashing energy resources,” said DOE Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum. “Through targeted jobs and training, Tribes are growing the next generation of Tribal energy leaders. Tribal Colleges and Universities are essential partners in this mission, and we are proud to select two of these institutions as they prepare workers to tackle critical energy challenges.”
The following organizations were selected to receive PACT funding from the Office of Indian Energy:
- Leech Lake Tribal College (Cass Lake, Minnesota) will establish a geospatial technologies certificate to prepare students for Geographic Information Systems, mapping, and drone piloting careers serving Tribal energy and infrastructure needs.
- Navajo Technical University (Crownpoint, New Mexico), in partnership with Arizona State University, will expand materials testing training to prepare students for inspection, asset-integrity, and quality-assurance careers supporting oil and gas and other critical energy infrastructure across the Navajo Nation, New Mexico and Arizona.
In addition, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fairbanks, Alaska), in partnership with the Alaska Vocational and Technical Center, was selected to recruit and train new instructors for Alaska’s energy sector including diesel, bulk fuel, and power generation training programs. This program is expected to support rural utility operations, including in Alaska Native Villages, which are heavily reliant on diesel and other bulk fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation.
Learn more about the selected eight projects here.
The PACT Initiative is managed by TechWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement established by the DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. This agreement enables TechWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of energy solutions.