Career Services

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• Career Readiness Act Vocational Training Programs

Through the Career Readiness Act, Career Services provides scholarships to Cherokee Nation citizens for vocational training at local CareerTech centers and other approved training providers. Scholarships are available for programs ranging from short-term training, as little as two weeks, up to Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs.

Career Services also administers and oversees a variety of customized in-house training programs, including the Building Trades Program, Business Technology Program, Fiber Technology Program, Surgical Technology Program, and the Registered Nursing Scholarship Program.

To learn more about these in-house opportunities, please visit the tab below labeled "In-House Training Programs."

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a Cherokee Nation citizen
• Reside within the Cherokee Nation Reservation
• Be pursuing an industry-recognized credential, certification, or licensure
• Be enrolled in an approved and accredited training provider

Vocational Program needs to be in demand and lead to employment opportunities.

These services are designed to support individuals who face barriers to employment, including those who are:

• Unemployed
• Underemployed
• Seeking to upgrade skills for career advancement
• Seeking retraining to obtain employment

Required Documents  

Applicants must provide the following:  

• Copy of front and back of CDIB card or Cherokee Nation tribal membership card
• Proof of residency (documentation showing mailing and physical address if different, such as a current lease agreement or utility bill)
• Driver’s License or Photo Identification
• Social Security Card
• Selective Service registration (males 18 years and older)
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the training provider
• Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) from the training provider

Application Deadlines  

Applications must be submitted and approved before the start date of any vocational training program.  

It is recommended that applicants begin the Career Services application process 2–4 weeks prior to the program start date.  

Below are examples of typical semester start dates for local training providers:  

• Fall Semester: August – December
• Spring Semester: January – May

How to Apply

Applicants can apply at any of our Career Services office locations within the Cherokee Nation reservation.

Applicants can also call (918) 453-5555 to be connected with a local field office for assistance.