Project RISE (Renew Indigenous Strength with Empowerment)
Connecting Native American students to college and career opportunities.
Eligibility
- Have a CDIB (Certificate Degree of Indian Blood) and be a member of a federally recognized tribe.
- Be enrolled in middle or high school in Hartshorne, Talihina or Wright City.
Additional Information
The Choctaw Nation is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education and local school districts to support Project RISE. This is a grant funded college and career readiness program that utilizes student and parent input, community partnerships and data to connect Native American students with opportunities to assist with career choices after high school graduation.
Currently, Project RISE is available in three school districts within the Choctaw Nation: Hartshorne, Talihina and Wright City. These districts were carefully chosen based on student success rates, the percentage of students who seek post-secondary education and their eligibility for SSRA (Small Rural School Achievement) and RLIS (Rural and Low-Income School) listings.
Ultimately, the purpose of Project RISE is to help increase graduation rates and put Native American students on a path to further their educational and career-based success in the future.
Data collected throughout the five-year life of the grant will be analyzed by both a third-party evaluator and the Choctaw Nation Career Development Department to ensure compliance, growth and fiscal responsibility.
Activities include:
- Native American-Centered Summer Camps
- Corresponding Educational Field Trips
- ACT Prep Workshops
- Online Tutoring
- Virtual Job Shadowing