TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation’s Talking Leaves Job Corps recently celebrated a new class of 73 graduates.
The graduates met with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation during the graduation ceremony. Family and friends gathered with them to celebrate the milestone.
“During this time of federal uncertainty, we must remain steadfast in investing into the next generation of Cherokees. Talking Leaves Job Corps is the gold standard of what we can do when our federal partners join us in investing into education,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Cherokee Nation’s Job Corps program is highly regarded in the Job Corps system and is consistently recognized as one of its top performers. Nationally, the program has operated for six decades as a career lifeline for countless youth, including many who faced housing insecurity before joining the program. When traditional education and career pathways failed these young people, Job Corps has been there to open a better future. That is certainly the case here in the Cherokee Nation.”
Cherokee Nation has operated a Job Corps training center through a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor since 1978 to ensure youth get a high school diploma or GED and life and job skills to succeed. The program serves Native and non-Native students.
Elexis Holtz, a recent Talking Leaves Job Corps graduate, studied to be a certified medical assistant while in the program. Holtz utilized the stability offered through Job Corps during her transition into a career.
“I feel so overwhelmed with excitement and joy for how far I’ve come,” said Holtz. “Right now, I’m in college at Conners State in Muskogee and getting my RA there. I didn’t have to worry about the cost of living, meals, or transportation. Everything I needed was provided for me to further my education. If I didn’t have Job Corps, I would’ve been in a women’s shelter or child shelter until I turned 18 and able to start my life.”
This year, Talking Leaves was ranked in the Top 20 facilities in the nation. Reading and math test scores place the tribe’s facility within the Top 5 nationwide.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone in our community who spoke out in support of Job Corps,” said Jill Zimmer, who recently took over as the Talking Leaves Job Corps Center Director. “We’re serving students with incredible career training and wrap-around services on site with our mental health consultants and healthcare center. Students earn real credentials that give them a real step up with opportunities for apprenticeships and high-paying union jobs whenever they complete their training.”
Zimmer brings 17 years of experience to Talking Leaves, with previous experience including positions as Deputy Director and Center Director, along with working at the Guthrie Job Corps Center.
Those interested in enrolling at Talking Leaves can choose from six distinct career paths. Each program is designed to provide specialized training, and, along with career training, students earn their diplomas and college credits through applicable degree paths. Talking Leaves is an open-entry and open-exit facility with students enrolling every week. Students receive training and access to services for free.
Over 7,000 participants have studied at the center and many of them return to work for the tribe.
Cherokee Nation Career Services Executive Director Diane Kelley serves on the National Job Corps Association board as appointed by Chief Hoskin. Kelley has served the tribe by supporting Talking Leaves since its inception.
“Talking Leaves is in a unique position as it’s operated by Cherokee Nation,” said Kelley. “Our facility is uniquely aligned to grow and offer opportunities other centers may not get. The tribe has many friends who want to see these students get the best education that they can.”
Earlier this year Cherokee Nation joined the National Job Corps Association in legal action opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s directive to close all Job Corps centers nationwide with a vote of Congress. The legal action resulted in the resumption of operations.
The proposed federal budget calls for the elimination of Job Corps. Cherokee Nation has advocated for Congress to continue funding Job Corps. During the graduation ceremony, Chief Hoskin praised the students for their own advocacy in support of Job Corps.
For more information about Talking Leaves Job Corps Center, call 918-456-9959