Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

STAR Program Information

Online Application

Words From Chief:

Several years ago, the Choctaw Nation began the STAR Program with the goal of motivating our Choctaw Students to reach their educational goals. After just two years, it is evident that this program is having a positive impact. Since the inception of the program in 2007, the STAR Program has grown tremendously, originally starting in the ten and one half county service area of southeastern Oklahoma, it now has students participating in 560 school sites across the state. Because of the unprecedented popularity of this program, we have decided to offer the benefits of the STAR Program to all eligible Choctaw students attending an accredited school anywhere in the world. I am convinced that this program will continue to encourage the academic success of Choctaws by providing students an incentive to strive for the highest possible level of achievement. This has been an exciting addition to the education services that the Choctaw Nation offers the youth of our tribe.

Requirements:

• Any student, 2nd-12th grade, attending an accredited school anywhere nationwide
• Each Student must have an application on file with the Choctaw Nation S.T.A.R program. (one time application unless there is a change of personal information, example: address change or school change)
• Students must be tribal members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; verified by S.T.A.R Staff and documented prior to award

Incentive Rewards Recognition each Semester (twice per academic year)

All A’s*: $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card All A’s & B’s: $10 Wal-Mart Gift Card Perfect Attendance: $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card All Above Students will also receive a Certificate of Recognition

Contact Information:

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma STAR Program 324 N Washington, P.O. Box 1210 Durant, OK 74702

Phone: (800) 522-6170 Fax: (580) 924-0880 Website: star.choctawnation.com Email: star@choctawnation.com

Jones Academy

Jones Academy Newsletter

Jones Academy Website

Jones Academy Academic Program

Brad Spears, Director
Phone: (888) 767-2518

About Jones Academy
Jones Academy is a Native American residential learning center for elementary and secondary school age children. The facility is located in southeast Oklahoma and houses 190 co-ed students grades 1 through 12.

Established in 1891 by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the school is located on a 540 acre campus five miles northeast of Hartshorne, OK. Initially, the facility was an all boys school. In 1955, Jones Academy became a coed school after Wheelock Academy, a boarding school for girls, closed. In April of 1985, the Choctaw Nation contracted the boarding school operation from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1988, Jones Academy became a tribally controlled school. The students lived on campus but attended public school in Hartshorne.

A dream became reality in 2008, when the Choctaw Nation dedicated their newly constructed elementary facility on campus. In 2012, the elementary school became a BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) elementary school under the authority of the Choctaw Nation. This state-of-the-art facility educates students in grades 1 through 6. Junior High and High school students are bussed to the Hartshorne Public School in Hartshorne. An alternative school also operates on campus. In the past, the school has enrolled students from 29 different tribes. Students come from parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, and several other states. Each student is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

The physical layout of the campus includes two dormitory buildings, each divided into elementary and secondary wings. Serving the dormitories are the cafeteria/dining facility, a gymnasium with basketball court and weight room, a library/learning center with an underground storm shelter, and a counseling center. The campus also includes a museum and agricultural buildings for the award winning swine program that students participate in.

For more information on this and other services from Jones Academy, please visit the school’s website at: www.jonesacademy.org

Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna

School of Choctaw Language James Parrish Ext. 2250
Phone: (800) 522-6170
For more information please click here.

The Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna was established to promote and preserve the language, history and culture of the Choctaw people. The School currently employs thirty one people. At the present time, there are eighteen Language instructors. These Language instructors have developed Choctaw Language Curriculum I, II, & III which is taught to the public schools and colleges. The Choctaw Language classes are taught through the distance learning OneNet system to 31 public schools, five colleges and carry a foreign language credit. The Choctaw Language is also taught through the distance learning to 14 Head Start Centers. Language classes are also taught in the communities throughout the Choctaw Nation 10 1/2 counties and there are a few taught outside of the Nation. The AVAcaster System takes the Choctaw Language into the world of the Internet. Current enrollment for the School of Choctaw Language is approximately 1,500.

The School of Choctaw Language has developed and published a definer, a history book, a social history book, five children’s books, a Choctaw Christmas CD, and two traditional hymns CDs. Choctaw Nation

Interlocal Cooperative Ken Keeling, Superintendent The Interlocal Cooperative is currently located at the Kiamichi Vo-Tech Center in Durant and serves approximately sixty five alternative students in grades 9-12 yearly. A great number of these students have a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB card). Morning and afternoon sessions are taught by three teachers. The Interlocal Cooperative is engaged in a collaborative effort in early childhood with the Head Start Program. GED is also taught through the distance learning OneNet program.

Choctaw Nation Head Start

Rebecca Hawkins
Phone: (800) 522-6170 Ext. 2591

Head Start 2013 Annual Report

Head Start Narratives

Head Start Application

Head Start Newsletter

• April 2013
• March 2013

Mission Statement

We hold ourselves accountable to work in collaboration with our families and communities to provide a quality program, committed to the wellness of the entire family.

Philosophy

See a child as they are meant to be.

The services provided by this program are very comprehensive. Five major component areas serve the needs of the children enrolled and their families: Education/Literacy, Health, Parent Involvement, Family Services and Nutrition.

Head Start is directed primarily toward economically disadvantaged families having children ages three to five years old. All nationalities are served, with preference given to Nativen American families.

Head Start is funded to serve enrolled children in 14 centers operating within the Choctaw Nation service area:

• Antlers
• Atoka
• Bennington
• Bethel
• Broken Bow
• Coalgate
• Durant
• Hugo
• McAlester
• Potea
• Stigler

The Head Start program now operates five days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at five of the centers:

• Broken Bow
• Durant
• Hugo
• McAlester
• Wilburton
• Idabel
• Wright City
• Antlers

Career Development Program

Ken English, Ed.D.
Phone: 866-933-2260

For more information please click here to visit our website.

Mail completed applications to:
Choctaw Nation
Career Development Program
P.O. Box 1210
Durant, OK 74702

Let us help you find the career for you!

Vision for Success

Within today’s global economy, finding and keeping a job requires higher skill levels than ever before. Employers want workers with documented skills based on “real world” experience.

The Choctaw Nation’s vision for the development of the Career Development Program is to create a pipeline to quality career and technology training as well as career services for the Choctaw people.

Requirements for Eligibility

Interested participant must be a registered member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

What services are available?

• Career Guidance Services
• Assessment Testing
• Academic Remediation
• Financial Assistance for Quality Training
• “Career Readiness Certificate”

Career Guidance and Counseling Services

The Career Development Center offers a variety of services to facilitate student development in the academic, career, and personal/social areas. Services include assessment, academic advisement, career information and planning, college and/or technical school, financial aid and scholarships, job readiness assistance and personal and professional growth workshops.

Our staff includes certified, licensed or qualified professional career counselors.

Assessment Testing

The abilities to learn, communicate and solve problems are essential assets for any worker, regardless of career choice. The Career Development Program offers the following assessment testing/certifications that measure skills which employers believe are critical to job success:

• WorkKeys
• KeyTrain
• OKCIS
• Discover
• “Career Readiness Certificate”

Academic Remediation

The Career Development Program is committed to supporting and strengthening the academic skills and offers a variety of learning assistance programs designed to develop and improve skills necessary for success in college-level or technical courses.

Alternate modes of instruction, such as one-on-one tutorials, computer-assisted instruction, small groups and individualized instruction are used to address the needs of the students seeking assistance.

Financial Assistance for Quality Training

• Assistance with FAFSA Applications
• Funding available for those who qualify

Career Readiness Certificate

Career Readiness Certificates are portable credentials that show an individual has certain fundamentals needed in the workplace.

Educational Talent Search

Linda Powers, Director
P O Drawer 1210
Durant, OK 74702-1210
1-800-522-6170, Ext. 2711
Fax: (580) 920-1821

Students, especially those who may become the first in their families to go into higher education, need to start planning early for college with the help of the Educational Talent Search program. Students as early as the 6th grade will be provided with educational information and encouragement as they begin to prepare for college.

The program identifies and serves 600 students attending specific target area middle schools and high schools who are in grades 6 - 12 (ages 11-27), who meet the eligibility guidelines (first generation and/or economically disadvantaged) established by the U. S. Department of Education, and who have been identified as having the potential to succeed in college. Students are encouraged to have high expectations, to stay in school, to study hard, and to take the right courses to get ready for college. Services may also include academic counseling, college and financial aid information, ACT preparation, college campus visits, and career exploration. The program encourages students to graduate from high school and enroll in a college of their choice.

For more information regarding the target schools or other specific eligibility criteria, please contact the Educational Talent Search office at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma complex 800-522-6170, Ext. 2711. For an application, call the ETS office at the same number or visit with your school counselor.

Higher Education and Grant Program

Larry Wade, Director
Phone: (800) 522-6170 Ext. 2224

Higher Education Application Packet

The deadline for Fall 2013 is October 1, 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions Page

Deadline for Spring 2014 is March 1, 2014.

Applying For Financial Aid

• Complete the Choctaw Nation Grant/Scholarship application and submit all required supporting papers.
• Submit copies of Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and Tribal Membership cards showing Choctaw descent. All Minor Membership cards must be updated when student turns 18 years of age.
• Submit a copy of the final high school transcript, GED certificate or the most current college transcript, whichever applies.
• Current class schedule from the institution you are attending.
• Financial Need’s Analysis completed by the financial aid officer at the institution you will be attending. Note: School will forward this to Higher Education department upon completion.

Applications without these supporting documents will be returned to student for completion. Late applications will also be returned to be completed for the following semester.

It will be the student’s responsibility to submit all required documents and to verify receipt of the Financial Need’s Analysis by the Choctaw Higher Education Program.

It is recommended that you make copies of all documents before submitting.

ALL documents requested must be postmarked by the March 1 DEADLINE.

NOTE: The earlier your information reaches us the earlier you may be awarded and your funds mailed.

Should you have questions, feel free to contact the Higher Education office.

The Choctaw Nation contracted the Higher Education Program on March 1, 1984, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This program will expend funds appropriated by Congress for the education of eligible Choctaws by providing financial assistance to attend an institution of higher learning, such as Junior Colleges and Universities.

In 1998, the Choctaw Nation contributed funds to start a scholarship program. Students will be assisted based on academics, rather than financial need. This program will ensure more Choctaw students the opportunity to receive educational assistance.

The Choctaw Nation will work to ensure that the special needs of the Choctaw students are individually considered with their assistance to prevent unnecessary withdrawals from higher education institutions.

DEADLINES: Applications and supporting documents will be accepted from April 1 to October 1 for Fall funding and until March 1 for spring funding. Incomplete applications and documents will be returned to the student for completion.

THESE DEADLINES APPLY TO RETURNING STUDENTS AS WELL AS FIRST TIME STUDENTS/APPLICANTS.

Guidelines for Funding

All awards are based on the availability of funds. Priority will be given to undergraduates. Maximum funding for the academic year: Grant: $1,600.00; Scholarship: $2,000.00.

Full Time Students are those enrolled in 12 or more hours. Part Time Students are those enrolled in at least 6 hours but less than 12 hours.

Grant - Amount will vary from year to year based upon the number of hours, financial need and classification for the previous semester.

• Part-time - $400.00 per semester
• Freshman - $500.00 per semester
• Sophomore - $600.00 per semester
• Junior - $700.00 per semester
• Senior - $800.00 per semester

Scholarship - amount will be based upon the student’s accumulative grade point average.

• Part-time - 2.50 $500.00 per semester
• 2.50 - 2.99 $600.00 per semester
• 3.00 - 3.49 $800.00 per semester
• 3.5 - 4.00 $1,000.00 per semester

Complete transcripts will be required for first time applicants. Funds will be determined based on overall performance.

Our program regulations will not allow us to pay for repeat classes.

Requirements For Eligibility

Students must be of Choctaw descent. Students affiliated with more than one tribe may receive assistance from only one tribe.

The applicant must be attending an accredited college or university and working towards a minimum of an Associates Degree. (We cannot help with vo-Techs, Certificates or correspondence courses.)

Expectations from the Student

• Full time students receiving a Grant are expected to earn a minimum of 12 hours per semester (6 hours for part time)with a GPA of no less than 2.0
• Students receiving a Scholarship are expected to earn a minimum of 12 hours per semester (6 for part time) with an accumulative GPA of no less than 2.5.
• Students earning less than the required GPA or earning less than 12 hours will be placed o n probation for o ne semester. At that time, students will be required to bring up their GPA and earn the required number of hours to remain o n the program. If these requirements are not met, the student will be placed on suspension from the program. * Students earning less than 12 hours and a GPA below 1.0 will be automatically suspended at the end of that semester.
• Students who withdraw from school officially, or unofficially, will be suspended unless there is a reasonable explanation presented in writing.

Applying for Financial Aid

The following tasks need to be completed between January and April, preceding the fall semester in which you plan to enroll.

• Request an application for federal student aid from the in institution you plan to attend (FAFSA Packet) .
• Respond immediately upon receiving the federal aid package to ensure funding
• Complete the admission’s application for the institute you plan to attend as soon as possible.

Summer Semester Funding - Only college seniors and students, currently on program, who are required to attend will be eligible for summer funding. Call in April for summer packet. The deadline for summer is July 1.

FOLLOW UP on APPLICATION STATUS PERIODICALLY.

Adult Education Program

Neal Hawkins, Director
Phone: (580) 924-8280 or (800) 522-6170

Kathy Springfield, Administrative Assistant
800-522-6170 Ext. 2122

• GED Application Packet
• GED Release for 16 and 17 year olds

This program is designed to provide educational opportunities for adult Native Americans who did not finish high school and will provide the basic education skills needed to acquire their GED Diploma. Many Native Americans have earned the GED diploma to get better jobs, higher wages, or to continue their education. Most employers and colleges consider the GED diploma equivalent to a high school diploma.

The Choctaw Nation GED program has qualified instructors to help prepare you to take the GED test. Classes are conducted within the 10 1/2 counties of the Chotaw Nation. In class, the instructors teach the Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Grammar and Mathematics. Each class lasts approximately three months. There are no costs for the classes; books and class supplies are provided for each student and the state GED testing fees are paid.

Upcoming GED Classes

Choctaw County Latimer County Bryan County LeFlore County

Eligibility requirements

• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB)
• Government/State identification (driver’s license, etc. .)
• Must be 16 years of age or older, restrictions apply to persons under 18 years of age

Distance Learning GED classes

Distance Learning Classes are now available in Atoka, Coalgate, Talihina, Bethel, Smithville and Wright City.

An experienced GED teacher will instruct you using the OneNet Distance Learning Technology. Distance Learning allows students and teacher to see and hear each other on large monitors. Students will be able to interact with the teacher as they help you prepare to take the GED test.

Books, supplies and testing fees are provided. In addition, a $10.00 per day transportation stipend is paid to those who attend classes on a regular basis and attempt the GED test. The class will meet three days each week for approximately nine weeks. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Adult Education Program is the official testing center for Durant.

GED Tests

The GED test consists of the following five tests:

• Language Arts, Writing
• Language Arts, Reading
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

The GED test is an 8 hour test. Testing is completed in two consecutive days, with each individual test having a set time limit. The Language Arts Section requires you to write an essay, and answer 50 grammar questions. The mathematics has two parts, part I permits the use of a scientific calculator and part II does not. Accomodations are available.

How Do I Apply?

Contact the Adult Education Department for an Application Packet. Print and complete the application packet, include a copy of your CDIB, or Membership card and a state issued picture ID.

Mail entire application and documents to:
Choctaw Nation Adult Education Department
P.O. Box 1210
Durant, OK 74702.

Distance Learning GED classes are offered in select Chcotaw Nation Community Centers. The Adult Education program can assist with GED testing fees for those who live outside of the Choctaw Nation. Please contact our office to learn how we can help you.

Useful Links pertaining to Adult Education

• Oklahoma GED information
  
• Ace Warning Against Online GED Testing
  
• Warning on Authorized GED Credentials
  

Johnson O’Malley Program

Rebecca Clapp, Director
Phone: 800-522-6170

• Program Application
• Minutes Form (example)
• Parent Committee Claim Approval Form
• Parent Committee Election Certificate

On October l, l984, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Muskogee Area Office, contracted the Johnson O’Malley Program.

As the prime contractor of the Johnson O’Malley Program in the l0-l/2 county service area of the Choctaw Nation, it is the responsibility of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to administer JOM funds for the operation of supplemental programs for the education of eligible Indian students. The JOM Program currently is serving in excess of 8,640 students in approximately 68 schools.

According to Sec. 273.l2 of the Federal Register and Public Law 99-228, eligible students are Indian students, from age 3 through grade l2, except those who are enrolled in Bureau or sectarian operated schools, who is a member of a tribe or a descendant of a member of a tribe which is eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to Indians because of their status as Indians.

PL102-477 Program (formerly WIA)####

Patty Mink
Phone: (800) 522-6170

PL 102-477 is an employment and training program that strives to help Native Americans obtain long term employment and become self-sufficient.

To qualify for the program you must:
* Live within the 10 1/2 county service area
* Be unemployed, underemployed or meet the Health and Human Service poverty guidelines
* CDIB
* Social Security Card
* Residence verification
* Income verification
* Selective Service
* Copy of DD-214 for proof of veteran’s eligibility
* Doctor’s report (if disabled)
* Driver’s license or photo ID

PL 102-477 provides counseling, short term, long term training, classroom training, on the job training and work experience training. Supportive service is available for job retention.

The PL 102-477 program is federally funded by the Department of Labor and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call the WIA office.

Child Care Assistance Program
Marilyn Williams, Director
Phone: (580) 924-8280

For more information please click here.

Vocational Development Program

Rita Workman, Director
Phone: (580) 924-8280 or (800) 522-6170

Becky Bradley, Administrative Assistant
800-522-6170

Vocational Development Program Application

This program offers financial assistance for Adult Vocational Training for up to a maximum of 24 month.

Guidelines
Be at least 1/4 Native American and have a CDIB showing the degree of Native American blood.
Be a high school graduate or have completed a GED course.
Live within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation.
Plan to attend an accredited college, institution, or vo-tech.

To apply, you will need to fill out the Vocational Development Application