Choctaw Nation 477 Program Youth Employment Services

Ready to be inspired? The Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board is hosting a Rise Up Youth Summit on April 4th.

Hear from keynote speaker Tim Tebow, experience powerful worship and be apart of an energy-filled program hosted by Chance Rush. Tickets are $5 and include a T-shirt. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bring your friends or come with your youth group or school organizations and be part of something impactful! The event is open to students 6-12th grade.

Register now: https://www.choctawnation.com/rise-up-youth-summit (https://www.choctawnation.com/rise-up-youth-summit/)

Join us in welcoming one of our newest YES Team Members, Jasmine Cooks, a.k.a. "Jazzy!" Jasmine serves as a primary contact for youth workers residing in CNO Districts 1, 2, & 3 (southern region).

"Halito, sv hohchifo yvt Jasmine Cooks. Hello, my name is Jasmine Cooks.

I am a proud 2017 graduate of Broken Bow High School in my hometown of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and a 2022 graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree. In November 2025, I began my role as Program Coordinator for the 477 Youth Employment Services with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

It is an honor to serve through the Choctaw Nation — a Nation built on faith, family, and culture. I am proud to stand behind the mission of strengthening our people and creating opportunities for the next generation. Being able to invest in our youth and help shape their futures is more than a job — it’s a responsibility and a privilege.

I am eager to be here and grateful for the opportunity to support and empower our youth as they prepare for their futures.
I am excited for this journey and all that’s ahead!"

🦃 Thanksgiving Holiday Closure 🦃

All Choctaw Nation tribal offices will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025 in observance of Thanksgiving.

We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday as we take time to reflect on the blessings of the season. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 1.

Yakoke and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Choctaw Nation!

📣 Notice: Limited Availability on Friday, November 14th

The Choctaw Nation 477 Program – Employment & Training Services Team will be traveling to Durant, OK for a team meeting on Friday, November 14, 2025.
During this time, both traveling staff and those at headquarters will have limited to no access to phones or email. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take this time to collaborate and strengthen our services.

📞 We will return all calls and messages within 24 hours.

Yakoke for your continued support!

Veterans Day Closure Notice

In honor of Veterans Day, all Choctaw Nation tribal offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

We take this time to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Yakoke to all our veterans for your service and sacrifice.

Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, November 12.

🎓 Viking Voyage: College Preview Day – Today! 🚀
The Choctaw Nation 477 Program is excited to be part of Viking Voyage: College Preview Day at the Hoffman-Wilson Center! Come meet our dedicated team and learn more about the employment training services we offer.
👥 Meet Our Coordinators:
Montana Farmer – Adult Program Coordinator
Shonnie Hall – Youth Program Coordinator
Date: Thursday, November 6th
Location: Hoffman-Wilson Center
Begins: 10:00 AM
Ends: Around 12:00 PM
We’re looking forward to connecting with students and sharing opportunities that support their educational and career goals.
Yakoke for having us!

🚶‍♀️💬 Community Outreach in Action! 💬🚶‍♀️

Program Coordinator Kenni Elrod will be attending the upcoming Recovery Walk event, representing the Choctaw Nation Employment & Training Services team!

She’ll be on-site offering information about our programs and services, helping connect individuals with employment, training, and support opportunities. Events like these are a powerful way to build relationships and support recovery through empowerment and access to resources.

If you're attending, be sure to stop by and learn how our team can support your journey toward personal and professional growth!

Youth Employment Services (YES) offers paid employment opportunities for tribal youth aged 16-21 in the Choctaw Nation Reservation service area. YES is transitioning from a traditional 5-week summer work experience to a year-round employment opportunity with Project Auatvchi and Project Toksvli, allowing participants to work up to 200 hours at any time of the year.

YES participants may be members of ANY Federally Recognized Tribe.

Applications are available online in Chahta Achvffa!

For additional information, visit: https://www.choctawnation.com/.../youth-employment-services/

🔧🎉 YES Participant Hired! 🎉🔧

We’re excited to announce that one of our Youth Employment Services (YES) participants has officially been hired by Midtown Heating & Air LLC in Broken Bow, Oklahoma!

This is a fantastic example of how the YES program helps young individuals gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and transition into permanent employment. We’re proud of this participant’s hard work and grateful to Midtown Heating & Air LLC for being a supportive worksite partner.

Yakoke to everyone who helped make this success possible!

Submitted by Program Coordinator II Regina Arnold
Pictured: Bryan Clay

💼✨ YES Participant Spotlight – Hard at Work! ✨💼

Check out these great photos submitted by Program Coordinator II Regina Arnold, featuring our Youth Employment Services (YES) participants in action!

One participant shared their experience working at the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Garvin:

"Working on the YES program at the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Garvin was a rewarding experience that I’d gladly repeat. The flexible scheduling, manageable hours, and solid pay make it ideal for busy students, especially those involved in sports. I highly recommend this program to any student trying to balance academics, athletics, and work."

Another participant was unable to provide feedback because they were busy assisting customers—proof of their dedication and focus!

We’re proud of our YES participants for their hard work and professionalism. Programs like YES help build real-world skills and confidence for future success.

Pictured: Jakob Wesley & D'onah Shomo