Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation recently held an awards ceremony for the outstanding students that participated in a youth employment training program.

The Cherokee Nation Supplemental Youth Program employs over 300 students every summer providing a unique opportunity for economically disadvantaged youth to earn a paycheck while they learn job skills. The youth are placed in jobs in profit and non-profit organizations throughout the service area of the Cherokee Nation and are given training in areas that are important in the job market.

"They go on field trips and listen to guest speakers," said Wauneta Sanders, manager of Cherokee Nation employment and training programs.

Steve Cox, manager of Heritage Place in Tahlequah, was very pleased with the work done by his student worker.

"I thought it would be a good learning experience for the student," Cox said. "We talked a lot about interpersonal skills and he got to experience some of that. I got more out of it then what I expected to."