Strengthening Tribal Youth Cultural Identity, Academia & Leadership Skills
KIC’s Education and Training Department offers a variety of youth-centered programs and services. Ketchikan Indian Community’s Youth Programs provide traditional teaching for tribal and community youth focused on strengthening tribal youth’s cultural identity, academic achievement, and leadership skills. Native knowledge, ways of knowing and worldviews are highly regarded in KIC’s youth programing and are reflected in all activities.
Tribal Scholars Program
An Advanced Education Program
The Tribal Scholars Program is an advanced education program open to all Native secondary students in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District. It offers a supportive, engaging, and culturally-enriched educational alternative.
Tribal Scholars provides enrolled students with all of the core credits necessary for their high school diploma—English, science, mathematics, and social studies—at KIC’s Tribal Youth Center under the guidance of tribal teachers who provide academic counseling and monitoring of each student’s educational engagement and progress. Additionally, students have unique opportunities to learn the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages, as well as earn college science credits for traditional gathering and subsistence practices through a partnership with UAS-Ketchikan. The program operates from 8:00 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. each morning and requires students to attend either Ketchikan High School or Revilla Alternative School each afternoon to take elective courses.
To apply, fill out the Tribal Scholars Application.
Eligibility Requirements
- Any Alaska Native or American Indian student within Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District
- Complete Application and Interview Process
Native Art Program
Enrolled students learn cedar bark weaving, basketry, hat-making, moccasin making, tunic-making, button robe-making, beading and Northwest Coast formline design. Special guest instructors also provided instruction in carving and lithograph painting.
Interested students should sign up during scheduling.
Haida Language Class (Kayhi)
Enrolled students learn Xaad Kíl using curriculum and a learning path that meets district Foreign Language Proficiency standards. Special guest instructors also provide instruction on genealogy and cultural practices and protocol.
Interested students should sign up during scheduling.