AMERICAN INDIAN OIC INC

Results: Over 20,000 individuals served since we began in 1979. The AIOIC was awarded a grant in spring of 2010 through the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Health Care Sector and Other High Growth and Emerging Industry Grants. The Soil-to-Sky initiative projects to serve 1830 participants during the 3 year time-frame. In the first year alone, 575 were trained, 770 certificates were awarded and 1200 points of contact were made with the students. We expect to continue to show a very positive return on investment.

Target demographics: Primarily unemployed or underemployed, low-skill adults in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.

Geographic areas served: Primarily the Twin Cities Metropolitan area; however, we serve all areas throughout Minnesota

Programs: Education programstakoda prep- takoda prep is an alternative learning center that offers high school education to teens and young adults who are at risk of not obtaining their diploma. The majority of takoda preps students are of american indian descent and american indian culture is infused into the schools curriculum and teaching practices. This approach led to a 90% graduation rate for the schools credit-eligible seniors. Adult basic education services- adults who did not obtain their high school diploma or adults who need remedial education before pursuing higher education can participate in the adult basic education services. In this program participants receive individualized instruction in core subjects like reading and math which prepares them for post-secondary education or to sit for the general equivalency diploma exam. Takoda institute of higher education- the takoda institute is a post-secondary career training school accredited by the accrediting commission of career schools and colleges. The takoda institute offers short-term training for the occupations of computer support specialist, administrative assistant, human services technician, and health information specialist. All of these occupations are in-demand in the local labor market and takoda institutes graduates increased their annual earnings by an average of 93%. Takoda institute students are also provided with one-on-one career counseling in their field of study. Employment programsminneapolis works- american indian oic is contracted with the city of minneapolis to provide its low-income residents with career counseling and job search support services. Minnesota family investment program (mfip)- american indian oic is contracted by hennepin county to provide career counseling and welfare-to-work services to individuals who receive mfip benefits. Clients are connected to training and volunteer opportunities that will advance their skills and increase their employability. Clients also receive one-on-one career counseling, assistance writing resumes, cover letters, searching for and applying to jobs. Native youthworks- native youthworks is an employment and training program for native american teens and young adults that helps them explore career pathways and set goals for their careers. Counselors then connect participants to education and employment opportunities that will help them achieve their career goals. Workforce innovations for natives (win)- win is a workforce innovation and opportunity act program that helps native american residents of hennepin county connect to career and education opportunities.