Osage Nation Education Department Hosts Annual College & Career Fair

On Thursday, November 4, 2021, the Osage Nation (ON) Education Department held its annual College and Career Fair at the Osage County Fairgrounds. Local junior and senior high school students visited the event that featured college, technical school, and military recruiters along with career professionals who presented information for the students to explore. This activity introduces life beyond high school and the many occupation paths available.

Archie Mason opened the function and guided the event, as the master of ceremonies. Mason is an Osage tribal member and well-known leader in the community with many years of experience as an educator, as well as former Osage Nation Congressman for the legislative branch. He made announcements throughout the day and identified the participants: Artisan Institute, Bacone College, Coffeyville Community College, Cowley College, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Oklahoma State University – Institute of Technology, Oklahoma Technical College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Owasso Dental Assisting Academy, Rogers State University, Rose State College, Spartan School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Arkansas,  University of Oklahoma, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Tri-County Tech, TRIO, Tulsa Community College, Wichita State University, Oklahoma Air National Guard, Oklahoma Army National Guard, United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Navy.

The students who traveled from Pawhuska, Barnsdall, Hominy, Prue, and Shidler schools also met with working professionals from various career fields during the event. This networking opportunity allowed them to hear firsthand information about different occupations. Representatives from the following businesses set up booths and participated: Oil Capital Electric, ON Historic Preservation, Osage Casinos, Bartlesville Ascension Hospital, Pawnee Indian Health Services, Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Dailey Technologies, ON Department of Natural Resources, Oklahoma Department of Human Services/ Child Welfare, ON Financial Services, Shield Law Group, ON Counseling Center, American Heritage Bank, Dailey Properties, Hominy Schools Head Football Coach, ON Education Department, and the Wah-Zha-Zhe Health Clinic. 

The ON Education Department is committed to making the college and career fair a successful presentation for local students. They provided refreshments for the high school participants and lunch for the presenters, sponsored by Osage Casinos and the education department.

ON Education Department Director Mary Wildcat stated: "I am extremely proud of the work that our Osage Nation Education Department team does each day and specifically for the hard work and dedication that they put into this event each year! Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have not been able to host an in-person event in nearly two years. It felt great to be able to bring back this event. The goal is to provide as many collegiate resources and experiences as we possibly can to our students in Osage County. Students completed a key graduation requirement for the ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Planning Program) Program by engaging in this activity. Our College and Career Fair supports these requirements, mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. I would like to thank everyone that contributed to this event. This event would not be possible without the support of the Osage Nation and all of the stakeholders involved." 

For more information about the ON Education Department, please visit: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/education-department