Akiptan is pleased to announce expanded youth programming that now includes summer internship opportunities for Native American youth. Through the internship program, made possible by a grant from Wells Fargo, nine participants from ages 16-20 will be placed with various types of agricultural operations throughout Indian Country.
“Investing in our youth is one of Akiptan’s top priorities,” said Skya Ducheneaux, Executive Director of Akiptan. “We are grateful to Wells Fargo for supporting these efforts, which will allow us to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence of young people interested in a career in Indian agriculture.”
Each participant will complete 320 hours of agricultural work experience, building knowledge related to that specific line of business as well as learning valuable life and workplace skills. Throughout the internship, participants will work with Akiptan staff to complete financial literacy training and develop an agricultural business plan.
“This is a comprehensive internship program that we hope will support our Native youth as they grow into the next generation’s leaders of the Indian agriculture field,” said Dawn LeBeau, Program Officer at Akiptan, who implements the organization’s youth programming.
Akiptan will partner with a total of eight Native American agricultural operations across the country to host youth interns. They will also offer an internship at their office where the participant will gain exposure to agricultural financing.
In addition to the summer internship program, Akiptan is currently developing a financial literacy curriculum designed for Native American youth in agriculture. The curriculum will help build the financial capability of youth as they enter the agricultural field.
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