CN Summer Youth Employment Program Applications Available

The Cherokee Nation is now accepting applications for its Summer Youth Employment Program, which each year provides valuable work experience to hundreds of Native youth.

Applications for the employment program are available at any of the 11 Cherokee Nation Career Services offices and are due by April 5. The six-week program kicks off June 10 and ends July 19, with participants working 40-hour weeks and earning $7.25 per hour.

“Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses, the tribe’s business arm, continue to grow and diversify here in the 14 counties and elsewhere across the United States,” said Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden. “Meanwhile, young Cherokees are preparing themselves to enter the 21st century workforce. It is to the Cherokee Nation’s benefit that we continue training up these young men and young women in our Summer Youth Employment Program. Who knows, these young Cherokees may one day find their career right here with the tribe. It’s rewarding to know we will have given them the skills they need to find their success, wherever it happens to be.”

To qualify for the employment program, youth ages 16-24 must be a Cherokee Nation citizen or a citizen of a federally recognized tribe who meets federal guidelines. Participants must also reside within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county area. Cherokee Nation funds the employment program, and participants may be placed in a Cherokee Nation department or with the tribe’s assistance could find work in a public school, library or private business.

“Through our Summer Youth Employment Program, participants can receive on-the-job training to learn many of the skills that will make them successful in the workforce, all while they earn a paycheck,” said Cherokee Nation Career Services Executive Director Diane Kelley. “This program will also help Cherokee youth who may be trying to determine what career path they might want to take. The program has been and will continue to be very beneficial to those who take part.”

Applications are also being taken through April 5 for the Summer Youth Leadership Intern Program, which provides young adults an opportunity to become familiar with Cherokee Nation government and administrative functions. Only about a dozen Cherokee Nation citizens ages 18-21 will be selected during the competitive application process, which includes an interview. The program begins June 3 and ends July 26.

Applicants for the internship program may apply at any Career Services office. Among other requirements, applicants for the leadership program must live within the tribe’s 14-county area and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the current school year. Two letters of recommendation from either a school administrator, a school counselor and/or former employer are also necessary.

For a list of Cherokee Nation Career Service office locations, visit www.cherokee.org/Services/Career/OfficeLocations.aspx.

For more information on the Cherokee Nation Summer Youth Employment Program or the Summer Youth Leadership Intern Program, including eligibility criteria for each, call 918-453-5555.

KXMX News Staff

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