Native Pathways

 
Workforce and Training Program 

Native Pathways was combined with the Department of Economic Development to strengthen the workforce development efforts, build earning capacity and lower the Pueblo’s 14% unemployment rate, which is (3) times higher than the national rate. Native Pathways serves low income, unemployed or underemployed Native Americans in 122 counties in the western half of Texas through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Since its inception in 1979, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Native Pathways program has been at the forefront of creating job opportunities for Native Americans living throughout West Texas and on reservations within the region. The program is responsible for assisting Native American participants to prepare for and obtain high quality or career-based jobs. To meet its goals, Native Pathways has established long-term relationships and collaborations with various job training providers such as: vocational and educational institutions, employer partners, regional workforce development boards and various job development or ancillary agencies. The critical challenge for this program is helping the community attain technical/vocational training and workforce skills, resulting in better employment opportunities and an increase in family income and financial security.

 

Eligibility Requirements

An individual is eligible to receive services through Native Pathways if the following criterion is met:

  • Any individual who is a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe
  • Reside within Service Area (1 of 122 West TX Counties)
  • Must be Unemployed, Underemployed (earning a wage below your skillset or working part-time but desires full-time employment), Low-Income, or Seeking Training Assistance

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Tigua Next Generation Program

The Tigua Next Generation Program establishes a positive path for young tribal members while helping fill the workforce needs of the community. The majority of interns are assigned within the YDSP Government and some at external work-sites. They work a maximum of 180 hours consisting of on-the-job training at an approved host site. Workshops are conducted by Native Pathways staff, as well as partners from other tribal agencies. Native Pathways conducts soft skills development focusing on workplace ethics, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. The participants will also receive ‘Tigua Cents’ a financial literacy curriculum delivered by the financial literacy coordinator for AmeriCorps which takes the interns through budgeting, developing spending plans, and understanding credit. Additionally, the participants will partake in the culturally relevant activities presented by the AmeriCorps Nation Building Coordinators.