Education
Services & Programs
The Ninilchik Traditional Council provides a variety of educational advancement opportunities for young children to adults. While most services are specifically established to serve the tribal membership or Ninilchik lands native population, select services are offered to members of the public. Please check the eligibility description for each program.
Use the tabs below to navigate between our education programs and services.
Preschool & Elementary
Middle & High School
College & Adult
Early Learning Program
Students of the NTC Early Learning Program learn preschool fundamentals and skills to give them a solid foundation for entering elementary school. Graduates of the Early Learning Program tend to have a stronger command of verbal communication, reading, and mathematics when they enter Kindergarten. On top of emphasizing an early introduction to academics, Christina Pinnow introduces students to art, movement, social skills, peer skills, and culturally themed activities. The class meets in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. Students entering Kindergarten the following school year also have an extended class option in spring to help the transition to a longer school day.
Eligibility
- 3 to 5 years of age (Must be 3 years of age by September 1st)
- Enrollment open to public (with a native preference policy)
- Maximum Students: 12
- Prospective students should have command of basic words and phrases such as “yes” or “no” and basic skills such as bathroom training.
Class Information
When:
~ October – April (excluding school holidays)
~ Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where:
~Early Learning Program Classroom, NTC Subsistence Building, Ninilchik
Johnson O’Malley Program at Ninilchik School
The Ninilchik Traditional Council serves native students of Ninilchik School through the Johnson O’Malley program fund. The fund provides students and their families assistance with paying a variety of school program costs including preschool fees, sports and extracurricular activity fees, summer camp program fees, and costs associated other school-sponsored activities such as participating in the Close Up program in Washington, DC.
This invaluable program was created from the passage of the Johnson O’Malley Act by the US Congress in 1934 to help native students across the country engage in a broad spectrum of educational opportunities throughout their childhood and youth. Students who participate in early learning programs, educational camps, and extracurricular activities tend to get higher grades and demonstrate positive life skills throughout their adult lives.
Eligibility
- Native students attending Ninilchik school demonstrating a need for assistance to fund participation in school activities and school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
- Ninilchik School students up to and including 12th grade.
Preschool Summer Camp Days
During the summer from May to August, Early Learning Program teacher Christina Pinnow hosts cultural activity summer camp days for current and former students of the preschool program and their families. The kids learn about the world around them with a variety of hands-on activities and projects.
Eligibility
- Current and former students of the Early Learning Program and their families
2020 Summer Youth Camps & Covid-19 Update:
For safety measures, all camps have been canceled. We are looking into new ways to stay connected with our youth through social media and mail outs. If you have any suggestions or comments please reach out using the contact information posted at the bottom of this page.
Camp Highlights
- Themed camp days center on tribal culture
- Camp activities include fishing, canning, crafts, and learning about native plants and animals
- Kid-friendly activities build social and motor skills
- Ninilchik Elders participate with students to build inter-generational bonds and share tribal culture
- Former students and families can attend, providing positive role models to campers
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Johnson O’Malley Program at Ninilchik School
The Ninilchik Traditional Council serves native students of Ninilchik School through the Johnson O’Malley program fund. The fund provides students and their families assistance with paying a variety of school program costs including preschool fees, sports and extracurricular activity fees, summer camp program fees, and costs associated other school-sponsored activities such as participating in the Close Up program in Washington, DC.
This invaluable program was created from the passage of the Johnson O’Malley Act by the US Congress in 1934 to help native students across the country engage in a broad spectrum of educational opportunities throughout their childhood and youth. Students who participate in early learning programs, educational camps, and extracurricular activities tend to get higher grades and demonstrate positive life skills throughout their adult lives.
Eligibility
- Native students attending Ninilchik school demonstrating a need for assistance to fund participation in school activities and school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
- Ninilchik School students up to and including 12th grade.
Summer Youth Camps
During summer the Tribal Services department hosts fishing and culture camps for youth. The fish camps are held with the Ninilchik tribe’s Educational Fishery Permit at its North Ninilchik Beach site. Participants learn about traditional beach set-netting using skills that encourage sharing cultural knowledge and the principles of teamwork. Other activities related to marine safety, ecological awareness, and traditional foods provide a well-rounded experience that incorporates a variety of skills. Far inland from the beach at the CIRI Camp, youth participate in art, hiking, canoeing and other traditional activities. Both camps use these hands-on activities to promote a love of learning through culture and community.
2020 Summer Youth Camps & Covid-19 Update:
For safety measures, all camps have been canceled. We are looking into new ways to stay connected with our youth through social media and mail outs. If you have any suggestions or comments please reach out using the contact information posted at the bottom of this page.
Eligibility
-
Native youth ages 6-18
Looking for More Information?
We're here to help!
Or click below for NTC office and business locations, hours, and contact information.
Ninilchik Traditional Council Scholarship
The Ninilchik Traditional Council offers a $1500 scholarship to one selected tribal member graduating from high school or the Connections Program in Ninilchik. Applicants should demonstrate a dedication to education and pursuing their goals. The deadline for applications is May 1st.
Eligibility
- Tribal members graduating high school or the Connections Program in Ninilchik
Higher Education Grant
The Tribal Services Department offers funding to tribal students enrolled in a 4-year higher education program who face financial challenges while attending school. Applicants are approved based on a needs assessment. Participants in good academic standing may re-apply for each semester. Deadlines are August 10th and December 10th.
Eligibility
- Tribal members attending a 4-year accredited educational institution full-time (or 12+ credits)
- Demonstrate unmet financial needs
- Must submit copy of FAFSA eligibility assessment
Adult Vocational Training
The Adult Vocational Training program helps subsidize the costs of attending a vocational, technical, or other professional skills institute. Applicants must demonstrate that the field of training they will be studying will feasibly allow them to be employed in that field in order to help stem unemployment or underemployment. Alaska’s economy has long been dependent on a strong workforce comprised of many individuals with a variety of honed skills and trades, and the Adult Vocational Training program helps our collective economy.
Eligibility
- Native adults 18 or older (including graduating high school seniors 17 years of age)
- Demonstrate needs for education for employment
- Must reside within Ninilchik tribal boundaries
Kenai Peninsula College Adult Basic Education Tutoring and Testing
The Ninilchik Traditional Council supports the Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) Learning Center at the Kenai River Campus.
Adult Basic Education Instructors travel to Ninilchik during the school year to provide tutoring and guidance for achieving a General Education Diploma (GED) and provide proctoring for some types of educational exams taken off campus. The KPC Instructor is currently offering assistance at the Ninilchik Community Library every Tuesday! Residents of the Ninilchik area face challenges pursuing higher education due to the time and money needed to travel to Homer, Kenai, or Soldotna. The KPC Learning Center’s extended site program in Ninilchik provides local access to educational resources to alleviate this challenge.
Eligibility
- Residents of Ninilchik area pursuing a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult education program.
Contact Information
These services are provided by appointment only. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should call (907) 262-0327 or email ejhofseth@alaska.edu and speak to Erling Hofseth.
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Or click below for NTC office and business locations, hours, and contact information.