Toksali SMART Program

Chickasaw Nation Residents

Workforce training and experience prepares students to enter the workforce. Skill development includes job shadowing, mentoring, leadership opportunities, job training, life skills education and Chickasaw Nation curriculum.

Applicants must be a citizen of a federally recognized tribe, with Chickasaw preference, ages 14-21. Additional eligibility requirements apply.

See contact information, program details, videos or locations.

Apply

Eligibility
  • Citizen of a federally recognized tribe, with Chickasaw preference
  • Between the ages of 14 and 21 before beginning employment training
  • Reside within the Chickasaw Nation
You Provide
  • Social Security card (first time applicants only)
  • Current students provide a document displaying their current GPA (report card, progress report or transcript)
  • High school graduates provide a copy of their high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) certificate
  • Male applicants ages 18 and older provide a letter of acknowledgment from Selective Service or signed request form to receive a number from Selective Service
  • Verification of residence (rent receipts, utility bills, etc.)
  • Signed participant consent form
All required documents should be submitted before applications are considered. Incomplete applications are not eligible.
For information regarding application process, contact us.
Required Forms and Documents

Contact

Phone:
Call the location in your area.

Events

No upcoming events.

Program Details

This program provides workforce training and experience to youth ages 14 to 21. Creating a SMART workforce, the Toksali (to work) SMART (Successful Mindsets with Attitude and Readiness for Tomorrow) program encourages students to develop productive work patterns and behaviors in real-world environments. Innovative partnerships with a variety of community resources provide youth with meaningful job experiences, strengthening the community workforce.

Experiences may include job shadowing, mentoring, leadership opportunities, job training and more.

Paid training sessions are provided as part of the program.

All participants participate in summer on-the-job training and virtual training. Upon successful completion of summer on-the-job training and virtual training, participants in all levels are eligible to be selected for the Toksali SMART year-round program (TSYRP).

Summer training dates: May 27-Aug. 2, 2024

Level I (Chaffa) – 14-15 years old

  • On-the-job training four days per week: Tuesday-Friday
  • Eight virtual training days (on scheduled Mondays)
  • Toksali SMART dress code
  • Pre-placement interview and onboarding in May

Level II (Toklo) – 16-17 years old Level III (Tochchi`na) – 18-21 years old

  • On-the-job training (Tuesday-Friday during June, Monday-Friday during July and August)
  • Four virtual training days (Mondays in June)
  • Atali, pre-placement interview and onboarding in May
  • Toksali SMART dress code or on-the-job site dress code required

Flexible schedules (pertains to all levels)

  • Part time: 24 hours per week
  • Full time: 40 hours per week

SMART Benefits:

  • Earn wages while performing on-the-job training
  • Explore career opportunities based on individual future goals and interests
  • Learn valuable life and workplace skills
  • Build confidence and competence in a real-world job environment
  • Receive academic and employment mentorship and assistance
Other Information

Training topics include:

Cultural
  • Chickasaw Nation core values
  • Chickasaw language
  • Cultural experiences
Academic
  • Academic assistance and tutoring
  • Financial literacy
  • ACT prep
  • Higher education opportunities
Occupational
  • Life skills
  • Workplace accounting
  • Chickasaw tribal government
  • Job skills
  • Future employment opportunities
  • Assistance with job placement
  • Character development
  • Mentoring
  • Wellness and nutrition
  • Customer service
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Supportive programs and services

Videos

Locations

Toksali SMART Office - Ada

Ada, Oklahoma 74820

(580) 310-9240

Toksali SMART Office - Ardmore

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

(580) 310-9242

Toksali SMART Office - Purcell

Purcell, Oklahoma 73080

(580) 310-9241

Toksali SMART Office - Tishomingo

Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460

(580) 387-2780