EVENT: ABE and GED preparatory classes for Native Americans
DATE: Registrations already beginning
 Signing agreement: Front row, left to right - Tony York, OK Works Coordinator; A.D. Ellis, Principal Chief of Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and Bob Klabenes, president of OSU-Okmulgee. Back row, left to right - Danna Minnick, manager of Employment and Training for Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Dr. Pete Coser, director of the Division of Human Development for Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and Kelly Bauman-Grogan, director of Workforce Center Programs & Adult Basic Education. |
Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee will soon be providing Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) preparatory classes at the Creek Nation Tribal Complex. Officials from the university and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding, and classes began in April. The program is free and open to members of any Native American tribe. Instruction will be individualized for each student and will focus primarily on reading, language and math skills.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation's Division of Human Development and OSU-Okmulgee had discussed offering ABE and GED classes at the tribal complex for some time. When OSU-Okmulgee was recently awarded a new Adult Basic Education grant contract, officials saw an opportunity to provide the courses through a joint venture. Faculty from OSU-Okmulgee will soon begin conducting ABE classes at the Creek Nation Complex. The tribe and the university have agreed to market these classes jointly and to share information about prospective students.
OSU-Okmulgee President Bob Klabenes believes the venture will help increase the economic potential of Okmulgee County. “Both OSU-Okmulgee and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation play a large role in educating and supporting growth for this area,” says Klabenes. “Through joint marketing and mutual support, this effort will result in higher numbers of GED certificates awarded and other educational attainments by Native Americans in Okmulgee County.”
A.D. Ellis, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, says it’s important to provide this service on tribal grounds. “Many clients come to our offices needing GED classes, and we've had to refer them back to their local communities. However, a large number don't enroll because it puts them in the same setting where they encountered failure or discouragement. Here, we'll have a Native American teacher and a culturally sensitive atmosphere.” Ellis says the tribe's transportation system can bring clients from as far away as Holdenville, Bristow or any other community in the Muskogee (Creek) service area. “It won't cost them anything to get here, and the classes are free.”
Danna Minnick, manager of Employment and Training for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, says classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Human Development Building at the Creek Nation Complex. “We hope to have 25 to 30 students when we begin,” says Minnick. She notes the tribe's Summer Youth Program in June and July may integrate the ABE classes for those participants who do not have their GED. Summer Youth participants will be paid for those hours they spend in the classroom, as it will be considered part of their work day.
For enrollment information, contact Deborah McGirt with the Creek Nation Employment & Training Office at 1.800.482.1979, ext. 7780 or 1.918.732.7780.