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• Career Readiness Act Vocational Training Programs

Through the Career Readiness Act, Cherokee Nation Career Services provides financial assistance for approved short-term vocational training programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential, certification, or professional license.

Training programs must prepare participants for employment in an in-demand occupation and generally must be completed within two years or less. Career Services does not provide funding for associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or other college degree programs.

Priority consideration may be given to training programs connected to the following industries:

• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Transportation 

Career Services may also approve other short-term vocational training programs when there is a demonstrated workforce need, strong employment potential, or a direct benefit to Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Nation Businesses, or regional employers.

Career Services also develops customized training programs in partnership with employers, training providers, and other Cherokee Nation departments. Current opportunities may include programs such as Building Trades, Fiber Technology, Business Technology, and other employer-driven training cohorts as funding and workforce needs allow.

Program availability is subject to funding, eligibility, and approval.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a Cherokee Nation citizen or a citizen of another federally recognized tribe
• Reside within the Cherokee Nation Reservation
• Demonstrate a need for vocational training or assistance
• Be unemployed, underemployed, seeking retraining, or seeking skills needed for career advancement
• Apply for an approved short-term, non-degree vocational training program
• Pursue an industry-recognized credential, certification, or professional license
• Attend an approved training provider
• Select a training program that is connected to an in-demand occupation and is reasonably expected to lead to employment or career advancement
• Complete the Career Services application and approval process before beginning training

Eligibility does not guarantee funding. Assistance is based on the applicant’s individual circumstances, program eligibility, available funding, and any unmet financial need.

Individuals Who May Benefit

Vocational Training services are intended to assist individuals who are:

• Unemployed
• Underemployed
• Seeking retraining for a new occupation
• Seeking to upgrade their skills for career advancement
• Experiencing barriers that make it difficult to obtain or maintain employment
• Preparing to enter an in-demand occupation

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to provide:

• Copy of the front and back of a CDIB card, Cherokee Nation citizenship card, or other federally recognized tribal citizenship documentation
• Proof of residency showing both mailing and physical address, when different
• Driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification
• Social Security card
• Selective Service registration verification, when applicable
• Letter of acceptance from the training provider
• Training program information, including program dates, credential earned, and total cost
• Financial Needs Analysis or other official cost documentation from the training provider
• Documentation of financial aid, scholarships, grants, or other training assistance
• Additional documentation requested by Career Services to determine eligibility or financial need

Applicants should not email Social Security cards or other sensitive personal documents.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before the applicant begins the vocational training program.

Career Services cannot guarantee payment or reimbursement for training that begins before written approval is issued.

Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process at least four weeks before their anticipated program start date. Additional processing time may be needed when documents are incomplete or when coordination with the training provider is required.

Training programs may begin throughout the year. Common semester start periods include:

• Fall: August through December
• Spring: January through May
• Summer: May through August

Applicants should contact Career Services as early as possible because funding is limited and subject to availability.

How to Apply

Applicants may apply through a Cherokee Nation Career Services office located within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

For assistance locating the appropriate field office or beginning the application process, call:

Cherokee Nation Career Services
(918) 453-5555

Applicants should speak with Career Services before enrolling, signing a training agreement, or making a payment to a training provider.