by Jeanne Steffener, Tulalip Tribes Higher ED
Have you heard of the Native American Career & Technical Education Program (NACTEP)? More than likely you have seen advertising in the See Yaht Sub in the past for these classes at the Tulalip College Center. NACTEP was authorized to provide grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations and Bureau funded schools to support career and technical education programs by the Federal Government. These programs are provided to help Native Americans prepare for high-skill, high-wage or high-demand occupations in established or emerging professions. The grant provides for the program’s teachers, tuition, books and stipends for students so they can effectively participate in their education.
Tulalip Tribes has partnered with Everett Community College (EvCC) and Edmonds Community College (EdCC) to provide the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) courses here at Tulalip. With EvCC the focus has been on the Tribal Business Technology Certificate Program. These classes may be applied to a future degree. The goal of the courses and program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment as office support and customer service front line staff. There is a current need within the Tulalip Tribes for these skills.
Edmonds Community College’s focus has primarily been on the Leadership-Management courses. The Leadership Certificate of Completion can be earned by completing a series of courses on Supervision Basics, Presentation Skills, Leadership, Effective Teams and Coaching & Mentoring.
The success rates for NACTEP students is documented and demonstrates that Native American students are progressing through these skill and knowledge building programs nationwide. These students are better prepared to pursue further education or enter into high-skilled or high-wage employment. Courses are offered to all Tulalip members, employees & community members.
This Summer 2016 quarter is beginning July 5th. Courses offered this summer are Business Communications, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Job Search/Professional Development, Beginning Keyboarding, Keyboarding – Speed & Accuracy, Records Management, Service Essentials for Business, Computer Literacy. We are having two (2) Drop-In Sessions on May 31 (2-4 pm) & June 16 (4-6 pm) at the Administration Building in room 263. The complete AD will be in a couple of upcoming issues in the See Yaht Sub. Please look for them.
If you are interested in becoming part of this success story and opening up your opportunities, just pick up your phone and dial 360-716-4888 to contact the Higher Education Department for more information or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.