EastTexasRadio.com Powered by Ten Stations
Choctaw Youth Sign Up for Summer Jobs in Record Numbers
DURANT – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Youth Work Program is now signing up students for summer 2017 jobs. In the first three weeks, registration has reached almost three times the number from last year, which was 200 in February 2016.
Patty Mink, Choctaw Nation’s Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Director, attributes it to the WIOA staff’s successful outreach to area high schools. Mink said, “In the 35 high schools in southeast Oklahoma that have been visited by WIOA so far this year, there are 500 applications taken. We expect to reach at least 1,400 by close of the application period.”
Applications run through April 1, for youth aged 16 to 21. Eligible students may apply online at https://wioaapplication.choctawnation.com. The program is available throughout the 10.5 county service area of the Choctaw Nation.
The jobs program runs for five weeks this summer and is open to members of any tribe.
Among other things, Choctaw Nation’s WIOA office will help prepare economically disadvantaged youth to become productive employees. Participants receive basic work skills and work habits needed in today’s job market. Job placements are with businesses and public and non-profit organizations.
The Choctaw Nation WIOA program will cover salaries and provide insurance for those in the Youth Work Program.
Certain documents are required to complete the application process. Among items needed are a copy of the participant’s CDIB, tribal membership card, and Social Security card. Other information necessary is household income verification for the past six months, and residence verification, and proof of education level. For those 18 and over, a driver’s license or a photo ID, and for males, a Selective Service card. Drug screenings are a part of all applications.
If assistance is needed filling out the application, Mink said, families may phone the WIOA office at 580-924-8280 or 800-522-6170, Ext. 2209.
Applicants may also keep up with program updates on Facebook, Choctaw Nation Youth Work Program.
-30-
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third largest Indian Nation in the United States, with close to 200,000 tribal members. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historical boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The vision of the Choctaw Nation is “To achieve healthy, successful, productive, and self-sufficient lifestyles for a proud nation of Choctaws.” Tribal business success over the past few years has enabled the Choctaw Nation to begin to achieve this vision, as well as to assist the communities that are in the Choctaw Nation. Faith, Family, and Culture are important values to Choctaw people. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage, and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.