Oneida Nation has been named the 2024 NWTC Soar Higher Partner Award recipient. Jonas Hill, Oneida Nation councilman and NWTC alumnus, will accept the honor on behalf of tribal leadership during NWTC Alumni Night, November 14.
“Oneida Nation is proud to be engaged with NWTC at this level to encourage and support our students to experience educational opportunities that will encourage gainful employment and careers,” said Hill. “The leaders of tomorrow are the students of today. NWTC understands and supports the Nation’s priorities around higher education and workforce development, which has made the partnership a fulfilling one.”
NWTC’s annual Soar Higher Partner award recognizes an industry partner that champions technical education, gives back to the community, and advances the College’s mission.
“At the core of our successful partnership with Oneida Nation is a common goal – to strengthen communities through education and workforce training,” said Meridith Jaeger, NWTC Foundation executive director. “We couldn’t be more pleased to recognize our longtime partner with this honor.”
Renewing the partnership
In 2023, the partners renewed a formal partnership charter to serve the needs of Oneida Nation communities through educational opportunities for every stage of learning – K12, post-secondary, and workforce training. During a charter renewal ceremony, Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill expressed hope for an ever-growing, ever-thriving partnership.
“Ensuring our students are set up for success is important, especially when we talk about Seven Generations,” he said. “Working together can provide our communities with more collaborative resources and build lifelong learning skills for all.”
Through the renewed charter, NWTC and Oneida Nation are making programs and services more accessible for tribal members. For example, the partners are increasing early access to higher education by expanding dual credit college courses for high school students. In addition, more Oneida Nation employees are participating in NWTC workforce training in health sciences, trades, engineering technologies, and other areas.
Empowering students to soar
To help break down financial barriers to college, Oneida Nation has provided financial assistance to more than 150 Nation citizens to cover the cost of their NWTC education. Oneida Nation also provides youth advocates in the school district to help students prepare for higher education, a community education center for improved access to resources and support, and a higher education department for assistance to those pursuing college education.
“Oneida Nation has always prioritized education and learning in a manner that shows respect for how our culture and traditions might be folded into any type of curriculum,” said Councilman Hill. “For decades our Oneida students have been graduating from NWTC, and we see the value of that education all around our community. Students will continue to enrich our entire community, fostering innovation, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come – and for that Oneida Nation is thankful.”
