Employment & Training Program Services for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians

In today’s podcast, we visit with Thelma Bowers, Outreach Specialist with The Florida Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization which operates the Employment & Training Program as a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Native American grantee through the U.S. Department of Labor/Division of Indian and Native American Programs. The section 166 programs are designed to support employment and training activities in order to develop more fully the academic, occupational and literacy skills; make individuals more competitive in the workforce; and promote economic and social development in accordance with the goals and values of such communities. These programs are administered in a way that not only meet regulatory requirements, but also in ways that are consistent with the traditional cultural values and beliefs of the people they are designed to serve. In addition, they host the Florida Indian Youth Program (FIYP) annually for students between the ages of 14-19. The FIYP is an intensive away from home educational experience provided for Native American youth. During the two-week program, the students participate in educational, cultural and social events along with recreational activities. This program was designed to increase the rate of high school graduation and inspire the students to further academic achievement.