Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Keeps Youth Working This Summer

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

MAYETTA, KANSAS – The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's Summer Youth Worker program, which is sponsored by the Tribe's Education Department, is in full swing and keeping teens busy in jobs on the reservation.

Akicita Irving, 14,(r) of Denver, works with Craig Wahwahsuck
of Planning and EPA, recycling items at the Government Center

Students work 30 hours a week in an assigned department and also participate in career planning workshops. Two work sessions are held in June and July with new workers hired for each session.

The first session was held from June 4 to June 29 and a second group of workers began last Monday and will work until July 27. Approximately 20 workers ranging from 14 to 18 years of age are hired and placed in a variety of departments. Students must apply and go through interviews each spring with the Education Department selecting students for the positions.

Departments that place workers are also screened to ensure a real-world working experience for the students.

posted July 9, 2012 6:10 am edt