Osage Nation Education Department Hosts Senior Orientation Event

The Osage Nation Education Department (ONED) hosted a Senior Orientation Event for the incoming Class of 2023 on July 12-13, 2022, at the ONED in Hominy, Oklahoma. Native American youth, who attended the event, received information regarding: college applications, career planning, scholarships, financial aid, and job readiness skills. They learned about the academic programs and student life at various colleges, as well. 

During the two-day training, the students participated in different activities designed to help them understand the expectations of college. ONED staff presented information about scholarships available through the American Indian College Fund (AICF). According to their website, this organization was established in 1989 and has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native student access to higher education. The seniors enrolled in the AICF High School Pathways Program and received a Native Pathways College-Going Guidebook to take home. They can use these resources to navigate the college admission process. Another presentation included information about Northern Oklahoma College, Tulsa Community College, and the University of Missouri. The students also created a personal statement and collage in order to express their interests, hobbies, and goals.

Several youth attended the Senior Orientation Event, hosted by the ONED, and gained valuable knowledge about planning for their future beyond high school. They listened to presentations about different college options and funding resources. Other activities included Indian dice and an outdoor team-building event. The seniors also won doors prizes, tie-dyed shirts, and enjoyed lunch. This event should help these students prepare for their senior year of high school.