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 participants’ 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.

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Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

The School-to-Work program supports Chickasaw students who meet both the nontraditional student criteria and the general requirements listed below.

Meet AT LEAST ONE of the following:

U.S. military veteran
Single parent/guardian
Age 25 or older at the time of application
First-generation college student

Meet ALL of the following:

Chickasaw citizen 18 years or older
Have a high school diploma, GED/HSE certificate or equivalent or college transcript
Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Be in good academic standing
Enrolled (or accepted) into an accredited college or career technology center

*Participants may attend any accredited academic institution — online or on campus — as required by their degree program. However, all on-the-job training must be completed within the Chickasaw Nation

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

Online Application

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Contact

Phone:

Call the location in your area.

Email:

Events

No upcoming events.

Program Details

Experience That Works for You

The Chickasaw Nation School-to-Work Program partners with Chickasaw Nation departments and businesses to provide students with meaningful, on-the-job training experiences while they complete their education. This approach supports the Chickasaw Nation’s goal to “grow our own” by preparing Chickasaw students to become future leaders and contributors to the workforce.

Classroom and Career

Full-time education: Participants are required to be enrolled as a full-time student each semester (fall and spring), with summer enrollment being optional.

Accelerated training: Get hands-on, practical experience through on-the-job training (OJT) for at least 20 hours per week at your assigned OJT site.

Compensation: Participants receive a stipend and are paid for 40 hours per week, covering both classroom and OJT hours.

Commitment and Consistency

Professional growth continues year-round. STW participants maintain a full 40-hour work week during semester breaks and summer.

Other Advantages

Participants receive personalized support designed to ease the transition from school to career:

80 hours of paid time off annually
Career advising tailored to individual goals
Focused education planning
Professional development
One-on-one mentoring
Goal setting workforce readiness
Guidance with FAFSA, scholarship and grant applications
Career advocacy experts provide additional guidance starting nine months before graduation and continuing up to 90 days after program completion

This extended support ensures participants are not only prepared to enter the workforce but also confident and competitive after program completion.

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 March, July and October.
- March – for summer enrollment (program begins June 1)
- July – for fall enrollment (program begins Sept. 1)
- October – for spring enrollment (program begins Jan. 2)
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?
STW participants gain real-world work experience through partnerships with Chickasaw Nation offices, businesses and community partners. The School-to-Work program assigns participants to on-the-job training (OJT) sites within the Chickasaw Nation. If a suitable placement within the Chickasaw Nation is not available, a community partner may be used. All OJT sites are selected to align as closely as possible with the participant’s course of study or intended career path. Participants do not need to find their own placement.
What is the rate of compensation?
STW participants receive a full-time stipend starting at $15.01 per hour.

Participants commit to maintain a full-time, 40-hour weekly schedule year-round, which includes a combination of OJT and class time. When classes are not in session, participants report to their OJT site to maintain a full schedule.
What career paths are accepted for this program?
Most career paths, whether through an accredited college or vocational program, can be accommodated.
Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes. Participants need a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from on-the-job training, campus and the STW office.

The Driver Education Training Program offers driver education classes and driver examinations available for qualified Chickasaw citizens.

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.
- Are you a U.S. military veteran?
- Are you a single parent or guardian with dependent children under the age of 18 living in the home?
- Are you aged 25 years or older?
- Are you a first-generation college student?
What schools are in the STW service area?
Participants may attend any accredited academic institution, either online or on campus, as required by their degree program. However, all on-the-job training must be completed within the Chickasaw Nation.
What is a typical weekly schedule for a STW participant?
STW participants maintain a full-time on-the-job training (OJT) and student status commitment, working a 40-hour week year-round.

Schedules vary by semester. When classes are not in session, or if the participant is not enrolled during the summer semester, they report to their OJT site to maintain a full-time schedule.