Joyce E. McFarland is a Nez Perce tribal member and the Education Manager for the Nez Perce Tribe (2009 - present) and also is the Project Director for the Nez Perce State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) grant from the Department of Education. This initiative aims to improve academic achievement of tribal students, in partner Title I public schools on the Nez Perce reservation, by meeting their unique cultural and educational needs. Joyce graduated from Lapwai High School and Washington State University (Bachelors of Science). She has 22 years of experience partnering with Title I schools on prevention, health promotion, and education initiatives.