Student Program

Annual National Training Program College Student Program

Each year, as a part of our National Training Program (NTP), the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) sponsors a Native Student Track as an integral part of the NTP. The Student Program is designed to provide Native American students an opportunity to learn about careers within Government, to meet American Indian and Alaska Native federal, tribal and state workers, and to gain first hand experience in understanding the positive role that Native employees can play in enabling their respective agencies to better fulfill the federal trust responsibility and to honor the unique federal-tribal relationship.

Since 2005 SAIGE has incorporated a development track devoted to American Indian College Students at its annual training program. Student Program attendees are selected by a competitive process and receive full funding to attend the in-person training program. They receive leadership training, participate in team building activities and hear from Indian Country’s best inspirational speakers.

The Student Program is integrated into the larger program thus allowing for invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship, culminating in a career fair with recruiters from schools and government agencies. SAIGE is now in the process of instituting a year-long Program that will continue to provide opportunities for our best and brightest students.

SAIGE: Who we are

What are SAIGE’s goals for the Student Progam?

The Society has as its goals to encourage Native American youth to:

• realize their full potential by providing leadership in their community and schools,
• continue their education in order to gain college-level degrees, particularly in the multitude of public service professions, and
• ultimately, to seek a career in the government sector

SAIGE also promotes the value of diversity in the workplace, including the traditional teachings and values of Native people. As Native government employees, we have a great deal to offer our respective agencies and organizations as they strive to fulfill and honor the federal trust obligation to federally-recognized American Indian Tribes and to provide programs and services to American Indian and Alaska Native people, in general.

What will you learn?

Our Student program typically involves leadership and skills training, with a focus on topics of interest to young people. Students also participate in general sessions and other workshops with government employees and professional trainers in the SAIGE annual conference. Students may request a mentor who will assist them throughout the program and they will have plenty of networking opportunities with sponsors, government employees, including Native professionals and, of course, other students.

Who can Apply?

The Student Program is open to Native students who:

• Will be at least 20 years of age and no more than 25 years of age as of June 1 of the year for which they are applying, and
• Are enrolled and in good standing at an accredited trade school, college or university for the upcoming school year.
• Are interested in gaining a professional degree and in the possibility of pursing a career within a tribal, state or federal government.

For more information on the SAIGE Student Program, or to become a Student Sponsor, contact JoAnn Brant at info@saige.org,  with Student Program in the subject line.