School-to-Work Program

The Chickasaw Nation School-to-Work (STW) Program provides preemployment services to eligible nontraditional Chickasaw students pursuing postsecondary education.

STW participants can pursue their education at an accredited career technology center or college while concurrently fulfilling on-the-job training (OJT) in their chosen program of study.

The program provides quality career readiness and support services throughout the student participant’s academic journey. Career advocacy helps ensure STW graduates are prepared for the preemployment process and are either employed within 90 days of their graduation date or are pursuing graduate school.

STW participants receive a stipend while enrolled in the program.

See contact information, program details or locations.

Apply

Eligibility

Meet AT LEAST ONE of the following:

Out of high school for four or more years
First-generation college student
Single parent or guardian who has custody of one or more children under the age of 18
U.S. Military veteran status
Have a documented disability

Meet ALL of the following:

Chickasaw citizen 18 years or older
Have a high school diploma or equivalent or college transcript
Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Be in good academic standing
Be enrolled (or accepted) into an accredited college or career technology center within the school-to-work service area

You Provide

Chickasaw citizenship card
Valid driver's license (copy)
Proof of high school graduation or equivalency or higher education:
- Copy of a U.S. high school diploma/transcript or
- Copy of a GED certificate or High School Equivalency certificate or
- Unofficial transcripts indicating college credit hours
Letter of admission to or proof of enrollment in a college or career technology center

For information regarding application process, contact us.

Contact

Phone:

Call the location in your area.

Email:

Events

No upcoming events.

Program Details

Eligible Chickasaw citizens can receive a stipend while pursuing a full-time vocational program or college degree and completing on-the-job training in a specified degree field.

Partnering with other departments and businesses within the Chickasaw Nation, the school-to-work program allows the Chickasaw Nation to “grow our own” by providing STW participants with real-world work experience while attending school.

On-the-job training provides STW participants with specific types of career readiness opportunities related to their program of study. While working in these positions, STW participants receive superior instruction.

This invaluable work experience and mentoring prepares STW participants for entry into their desired career field and potential employment with the Chickasaw Nation upon graduation.

Other Information

Higher education funding for eligible Chickasaw citizens may be available through the Chickasaw Nation Higher Education or Career Technology Programs.

The Chickasaw Foundation offers scholarships to eligible Chickasaw citizens.

Federal Student Aid offers grants, loans, work-study and more to help you pay for college or career school. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply for the School-to-Work Program?
Applications are accepted in February and September. You can access the application from the Chickasaw Employment Access webpage, Chickasaw.net/CEA, or the STW webpage.

For more information, contact Chickasaw Employment Access at (580) 276-1849 or email CEANavigation@Chickasaw.net.
What types of work or on-the-job training are offered?
The STW has partnerships with Chickasaw Nation tribal offices and businesses, as well as community partners for preemployment training. This provides on-the-job training opportunities related to the participant’s course of study. We do our best to place STW participants at an on-the-job training site that relates to their major or intended career path as closely as possible.

Partnering with other departments and businesses within the Chickasaw Nation, the school-to-work program allows the Chickasaw Nation to equip current and future employees by providing STW participants with real-world work experience while attending school.
What is the rate of compensation?
STW participants receive a full-time stipend starting at $15.01 per hour.

STW participants work 40 hours a week, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time, they are either in class or at the assigned on-the-job training site.
What career paths are accepted for this program?
Almost any career path through an accredited college or vocational program in the STW service area can be accommodated.
I do not have a driver’s license. Can I still apply?
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are needed to get to and from campus, on-the-job training and the School-to-Work Program office. Frequency of transportation to these sites will depend on the student’s enrollment schedule, so reliable transportation is a must.

The Chickasaw Nation offers driver education classes on a qualified basis and driver examinations to all Chickasaw citizens meeting the requirements. Contact the Driver Education Training Program to learn more.

Chickasaw Nation Transportation Services may be available for eligible citizens. Visit Chickasaw.net/Transportation to learn more.
What is a nontraditional student?
In general, enrollment, financial status, family status, family history, age, career goals and career history are all factors that may designate an applicant as a nontraditional student.

For the STW program, if you answer yes to one or more of the questions below, you are considered a nontraditional student.
- Have you been out of high school for four years or more?
- Are you a single-parent family or guardian with dependent children who are under the age of 18 who live in the home the majority of the year? This may include biological, adopted, stepchildren or foster children as well as siblings.
- Are you a U.S. military veteran?
- Do you have a documented disability?
What schools are in the STW service area?
Approved schools in the STW service area include:

Colleges and Universities
- Cameron University, Duncan
- East Central University, Ada
- Langston University, Oklahoma City
- Langston University, Ardmore
- Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City
- Murray State College, Ardmore
- Murray State College, Tishomingo
- Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City
- Randall University, Moore
- Rose State College, Midwest City
- Seminole State College, Seminole
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant
- Southern Nazarene University, Bethany
- Southwestern Christian University, Bethany
- University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- University of Oklahoma, Norman
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha
Career Technology Centers
- Canadian Valley Technology Center, Chickasha
- Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center, Choctaw
- Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City
- Metro Technology Centers, Oklahoma City
- Mid-America Technology Center, Wayne
- Mid-Del Technology Center, Oklahoma City
- Moore Norman Technology Center, Moore
- Pontotoc Technology Center, Ada
- Red River Technology Center, Duncan
- Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, Ardmore
What is a typical weekly schedule for a STW participant?
STW participants work 40 hours a week, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time, they are either in class or at the assigned OJT site.

If a STW participant is enrolled in 12 credit hours, typically they spend 20 hours in class, five hours at lunch, and 15 hours at their OJT. Schedules are based on the semester enrollment schedule and time of year. When classes are not in session, the STW participant reports to their OJT.