IN THIS ISSUE: Board and Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 3New Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4ABE/GED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Elder Happenings/To Your Health . . . .7Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Stay Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10AIOIC Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 AND MORE

A WELCOMING EVENT

The annual AIOIC Open House and Career Fair, anactivity provided as part of Indian month, saw severalhundred visitors on May 21, a fine spring day whichallowed many to have their lunch outside under acanopy. Besides perspectives and welcomes fromboard member Clyde Bellecourt and CEO Joe Hobot,the visitors received information on the many AIOICprograms and were able to speak with recruiters from15 agencies.

The following employers were on-hand to discusstheir hiring procedures:

All Team StaffingACR HomesDunwoody CollegeFedEx GroundFrito Lay, Inc.Hennepin County Human ResourcesJob Corps/CHP InternationalMinnesota Assistance Council for VeteransMN DOT (Minnesota Dept. of Transportation)

The Open House welcome is provided by AIOICboard member Clyde Bellecourt at the May 21 eventbefore the feast.

AIOIC

SPIRITNEWSLETTER OF THE AIOIC STUDENTS AND STAFF VOL. 32 NO. 3 SUMMER 2015

Project for Pride in Living (PPL)Seward Community CoopSocial Security AdministrationState of Minnesota----IT ServicesTwin Cities RISE!Twin City Tile and Marble Company

One of the computer rooms became a display area foron-line examples of student work. A free raffle foritems such as casino stay passes and Twins tickets alsoattracted much interest.

Many of the visitors representing other agencies wereprevious graduates of our programs, and we alwaysenjoy hearing what they are doing.

ComputerSupport stu-

dent PeterVu discussesemploymentwith a FritoLay staffer.

AIOIC SPIRIT is published quarterly. Materials are gathered and edited by the staff and students ofAIOIC. Opinions expressed in the SPIRIT are those of the individual student or staff and not necessari-ly those of the organization, its board, or management.

Long-Term Students: Lydia Agimudie, Adrienne Anoka, Vaughn Beaulieu, Mariana Berg, JulieBergman, Jasmine Billey-Harris, Mauryele Bradley, Toi Buchanan, Jamie Canada, Shanta Carlyon,Jennifer Carpenter, Eyvette Carson, Trevontia Credit, Wynona Day, Sara Epperhart, Jeanine Estime’ , KirsiFischer, Mustapha Fozi, Katherine Frazier, Amber Gilpin, Gregory Gossel, Darktu Graves, MelanieHanks, Heather Houge, Samuel Johanneck, Cory Judkins, Yolanda Lopez, Robert Lussier, GladysMarcial Rojas, Hani Maruf, Renee Mattson, Dorette Mefeune, Richard Melius, Stephanie Miller,Abdulhakim Mohammed, Shirringer Moore, Minh Nguyen, Amy Oliver, Rosalinda Rodriguez, KatrinaSaice, Araceli Salas, Rachel Sam, Janice Sanders, Aleshia Scheer, Roberta Sims, Cynthia Skinaway,Amanda Spears, Amis Spider, Judy Stewart, Tameko Stocker, Graham Swann, Krista Thomas, LisaThompson, Karen Thunderhawk, Peter Vu, Karen Walker, Michael Wanglie, Farhiya Warsame, AleeshiaWiley, Traci Williams, Janelle Wright.

Basic Skills Students: Johannes Andemichael, Ahmed Abdi, Starla Blue, Alex Bongard, Corey Dawson,Rodney Derby, Alyssa Graves, Leona Hurley, Barb Jackson, Bridget Johnson, Chassidy Johnson, RyanJourdain, Fozie Mustapha, Lawrence Oakgrove, Astrude Maceno, Ta’quaire McKenzie, Melissa Mestas,Alex Mudd, Lucille Norris, Guillermo Ortiz, Julia Rainey, Sam Richards, Ciara Rittmiller, TaleeyahRivera Vizenor, Donovan Sargent, Steven Savage, Audry Thompson, JoAnne Vandenbrooke, AhmedVincent, Aleah WalkingBull, Mykeisha Wright.

Long-Term Student Completers: Computer Support Specialists: Computer Support Specialists:Andrew Anderson, Chris Beckwith, Tirsael Berhe, Romondo Creer, Cheyenne Fransen, Bradley George,Jason Grady, David Grim, Ali Hassan, Abimbola Jolaoso, Paul Levario, Saran Manning, Craig Marier,Mywiah Monkweh, Marites Oberg, Julio Orellana, Jeremy Rapp, Mark Rusnak, Gregory Sanft, PatrickTobin, Lori Williams. Human Services Technicians: Ra’essa As-Sidiq, Cheryl Campbell, TyannChristopher, Ariana Trejo. Health Occupations Careers: Sherri Green, Krystal Pettersen, AddisYemaneh. Health Information Technology Specialist: Gloria Cosper, Aleda Elliott, Peggy Erlandson,Nardos Erundas, Zachary Hatgidakis, Jeff Hinrichs, Dinah Honerbrink, Antonitte Mahto, Jessica Nelson,Folakemi Obadina, Kathleen Touchstone.

NAR/HHA: Julie Bergmann, Heathe Houge, Rene Mattson. TMA: Julie Bergmann, Rene Mattson.

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

Editors ........................Toi Buchanan, Lloyd WittstockWriters ........................Prakash Adiani, Darlene Barbour, Kimberly Dziubinski, Katie Fitzpatrick, Barb

Hydeen, Amy Kadrmas, Dawn Paro, Lisa Royce, Annessia Swann, EditorsLayout .........................EditorsProofreaders...............Darlene Barbour, Vala Monroe, EditorsPhotos..........................Editors, Michelle GraffArtwork ......................Franklin Firesteel, John Feather (logo)

to HiRe oUR gRadUateS

Employers are encouraged to call the following:Melody Spears at Ext. 175, Human ServicesTechnicians; Latisha Cannon at Ext. 133,Administrative Professionals; Stephanie Hobotat Ext. 126, Health Information & PatientServices Specialists; and David Zemler at Ext124, Computer Support Specialists and short-term IT workshops. Call for contact with any ofthe graduates or completers.

3

Providing Opportunities. Changing Lives.American Indian OIC is located at 1845 East FranklinAvenue in Minneapolis. Business hours are 8 a.m. to4:30 p.m. weekdays. This includes Minneapolis Works,Takoda Prep, MFIP, ABE/GED, WIN and the TakodaInstitute. FAX to 612-341-3766. E-mail toinfo@aioic.org or to staff at their first name and lastname initial @aioic.org.

New long-term students in the Takoda Institute ofHigher Education are admitted quarterly. Please applywell in advance of the quarter. See the calendar on page10 for the schedule of program testing. Programs lastfrom six months and up to nine months, which allowsstudents to complete the intensive, hands-on educationand seek employment in a short time period. See ourcatalog, Student Handbook, program sheets, QuickGuide or the Website (www.aioic.org) for information.

The class hours are: long-term students—as scheduledbetween 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., M-F (someevenings); ABE and GED students—8:30 a.m. to 4p.m., M-Th; to 3 p.m F.

AIOIC Staff: (names are followed by their phoneextensions) Prakash Adiani (119), Cooper Anderson(129), Richard Baldarrama (122), Darlene Barbour(112), Nirmal Bhattarai (131), Shirleen Blue (117),Latisha Cannon (133), Herb Christensen (134), DonClark (115), Carolyn Deters (104), Linda Duck (108),Kimberly Dziubinski (TBA), Comanche Fairbanks(147), Katie Fitzpatrick (128), Michelle Graff (148),Beverly Haskell (102), Christy Hicks (139), Joe Hobot(149), Mitzi Hobot (TBA), Stephanie Hobot (126),Chris Hubbard (158), Barbara Hydeen (TBA), AmyKadrmas (146), Tom Lonetti (121), Naida MedicineCrow, (116), Vala Monroe (113), Stephanie Needham-GreyEagle (100), Brittany Nickens (TBA), MaggieOpare-Addo (135), Paul Pacheco (137), Dawn Paro(111), Wilmer Skippingday (137), Melody Spears(175), Annessia Swann (103), Chris Taguinod (191),Amber WhiteBear, (176), Lloyd Wittstock (127), DavidZemler (124).

AIOIC Board of Directors: LeMoine LaPointe,Chairman; Jacqueline R. Wilson, Vice-Chairman; CarlB. Fransen, Secretary/Trea surer; and Clyde Bellecourt,David C. Isham, Maggie Lorenz, and AIOIC Presidentand CEO, Joe Hobot.

Continued on page 4

Life Re-enteRed: Moving Beyond aLayoff

I was recently running errands when I ran into someoneI had not seen in a while. After exchanging niceties, theusual question came up: what have you been up to? Itook a deep breath preparing to rattle off the story I’dbeen repeating too much lately: the company I workedfor decided it was more cost-effec-tive to relocate its operations toDallas, Texas. As a result, after 31years of straight employment, Iwas now unemployed.

I felt compelled to relay my sadtale to anyone who inquired. Itwas like a wound I didn’t allow toheal. This time there was a switch.I announced in a clear voice: “I ama student at Takoda Institute in theAdministrative Professional pro-gram.”

It was through the Minneapolis Lake Street WorkForceCenter that I saw the fliers advertising the programsoffered by Takoda. The only thing I knew of the insti-tute was the location of the one story building on thecorner of Franklin and Cedar. At the informational ses-sion at the center, it was comforting to hear from peo-ple who were going through a similar situation, toknow that I wasn’t the only one trying get through a sit-uation I was forced into. The representative gave us thefacts and answered all questions patiently. I could feelthat this school would be a good fit for me. In the timebetween earning my GED in 1979 and now, I’ve madeattempts at formal education with disappointing results.The schools were too big to give me the support I need-ed as a non-traditional student.

4

Re-enteRed ContinUed

The first block was a challenge. I spent a lot of energykeeping my brain focused. What helped me to stay onpoint were the other students. Whether in the sameprogram or not, we supported each other; I drewstrength from them. With that and the encouragementfrom the staff, I am determined to graduate inNovember.Starting the second block, I have a solid hold on mygoals and I’ve gotten into a study routine. AttendingTakoda is giving me confidence in my learning ability.It’s prompting me to pursue other things I’ve been curi-ous about, such as creative writing, music applications,and point-and-shoot photography, with an open mind.I can feel myself moving up and beyond. I have mysights on a better future; a future that I’ll have morecontrol of because of the skills I am learning at Takoda.

Toi Buchanan

a note to oUR BUSineSS deveLoPMentSPeCiaLiSt

Hello Barbara, my name is Gertrude. I don’t know ifyou remember me, but I met you in AIOIC about 3-4years ago. Then I had just finished my CNA programand was looking for a job, my first job in U.S. You helped prepare me for interview and to put up myresume. I have since gotten my nursing degree; a mas-ter’s degree in Nursing from the U of M and I’m nowpresently working in Mayo clinic Rochester in theInternal Medicine unit. I appreciate all the help you rendered to me and to so manyothers that come to AIOIC. Hope you are doing great.

editoR’S note: This email was received by BarbHydeen, the Business Development Specialist.Gertrude’s last name is being withheld at herrequest but she gave us permission to print.

takoda inStitUte gRadUation

It’s almost that time again. If you graduated dur-ing or just after the spring quarter, look for aninvitation from us to attend the graduation cere-mony on Thursday, July 30.

The attendance was over 75 percent at the lastevent, and we look forward to seeing you there.Please respond to the invitation and let us knowif you do not receive it by mid-July.

tHankS to United Way Staff

Thanks to the United Way’s support, AIOIC’s TakodaGroup held a successful pre-employment event onApril 21. The event was an Employer SpeedInterviewing/LinkedIn Critique where participants had4-6 minutes to talk about themselves and practice spe-cific interview questions with employers in order to cri-tique their interview skills.

The event also offered a chance to have the participantsget their professional LinkedIn portraits taken as wellas an opportunity to meet with staff and critique theirLinkedIn accounts to better market them.

Over 50 past graduates attended the event and employ-ers commented they were happy to have participatedand would like to be invited back for the next event.

Thanks again to the United Way staff for volunteeringand helping us with this event.

Barb Hydeen, GCDFBusiness Development Strategist

a ModeL Staff MeMBeR

We are in the presence of greatness. Vala Monroe----anAIOIC alumni and long-time AIOIC counselor----alongwith her family is adorning a billboard at the FranklinAvenue light rail station. If you haven’t seen the dis-play yet, give it a look at the station.

Takoda Creative and the Indian Health Board will berunning this campaign again in July at the Lake Streetstation and at a bus stop on 35th Street and CentralAvenue.

Katie Fitzpatrick, Creative ManagerTakoda Creative, a division of American Indian OIC

a CaLL to oUR CoMMUnitieS

Takoda Institute responds to the suggestions andinsights of our Program Advisory Committees. Thisresults in changes to our programs such as the twodescribed on page 10 of this issue or in new programs.

Now we are appealing to the many communities whichwe impact through education or employment place-ments to contribute their time to our committees.Please contact Prakash Adiani at 612-341-3358 Ext.119 to join in our improvement efforts.

5

fRoM tHe aBe/ged RooM

eXCiting tHingS

Exciting things are happening for our GED classes, andwe are hoping we get the bugs worked out. As of thelast three weeks, our instructors, Tom Lonetti andChristy Hicks, have been working with a few selectedstudents in some accelerated instruction in math andABE college literacy courses.

Tom Lonetti does his instruction in math starting at 9a.m., with Christy Hicks’ instruction in college literacyfollowing at 10 a.m. A photo of those students select-ed is seen above.

We still have orientation and TABE testing in reading,math, and language skills every Friday morning start-three hours. If you are interested, you may walk in dur-ing those hours, with classes starting for you the fol-lowing Monday morning.

With the start of powwow season, remember to buckleup and do not text and drive. Just a message to keepyou safe.

Darlene BarbourABE/GED Program Manager

tHank yoU

Thank you to the Ameriprise Financial Foundation forsupporting the Takoda Institute of Higher Education.Their generosity allows us to provide our vocationaleducation students with free job search support andcareer counseling.

American Indian OIC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organiza-tion and donations are tax-deductible to the extentallowed by law. If you would like to make a contribu-tion, visit aioic.org or call 612-341-3358, Ext. 128.

Katie Fitzpatrick

ged Learners: From leftare Sam Richards, AlexMudd, instructor ChristyHicks, JohannesAndemichael, AstrudeMaceno, Steven Savage, andGuillermo Ortiz.

a Win foR native aMeRiCanS

Beginning July 1, AIOC will offer the WorkforceInnovations for Natives (W.I.N.) program, replacing thecurrent Workforce Investment Act (W.I.A.) program.W.I.N. will provide workforce development, careertraining and job placement for Native American(enrolled and descendents), residents of HennepinCounty who are unemployed or underemployed. It isfunded by the Department of Labor under theWorkforce Innovations and Opportunity Act(W.I.O.A.). W.I.O.A. is designed to help job seekersaccess employment, education, training and supportservices to succeed in the labor market and to matchemployers with the skilled workers they need to com-pete in the global economy. For more information, or to schedule an appointmentcontact: Don Clark, 612-341-3358 Ext. 115 or ValaMonroe, Ext. 113.

Dawn Paro

6

about tHe ScHool

The Takoda Institute of HigherEducation offers these programs(with number of months) See ourQuick Guide or our Website fordetails:

Administrative Professional(9 months)

Human Services Technician (6 months)

Health Information & PatientServices Specialist (6 months)

Computer Support Specialist (9 months)

Many of the programs have aService Learning Experience.

Apply for admission and financialaid soon, if you intend to enroll inthe next quarter. Also, be sure totest soon so you can take any need-ed basic education.

August 31 is the orientation dateand September 1 is the first classday of the summer quarter. LaborDay is the first holiday.

Please call Career ServicesRepresentatives at 612-341-3358Ext. 171 for intake information, orStudent Finance and Director ofCareer Services Amy Kadrmas atExt. 146 for financial aid informa-tion.

A variety of short-term free coursesare described on page 5.

See the staff list on page 2 for theirphone extensions and emailaddresses. Career Services staff arealso listed separately in the box onpage 3.

For the health program, a back-ground check is required toenroll. This is because ofrequirements in the workplace.

new students to their school andwish them success in their studiesand in their subsequent careers.

Career Services ran a new-studentorientation which included catalogand handbook overviews, as wellas tours, to introduce students tothe programs and the Institute. Thefocus also was on their careers,both through the Service LearningExperiences, and in their future jobplacement.

Forms were explained and signed,followed by meetings with theiracademic advisors and the distribu-tion of the student schedules.

Annessia SwannRegistrar

DataPointS

The enrollment summary by pro-grams for the Summer 2015 quarteris as follows:

Administrative Professional, 0 new, 6returning; Computer SupportSpecialist, 7 new, 3 returning, 3 with-drawals; Human Services Technician,2 new, 4 returning; HealthInformation Technician Specialist, 0new, 18 returning, 1 withdrawal;Health Information & PatientInformation Specialist, 8 new, 1 with-drawal.

That’s a total of 17 new students and31 returning, 2 first week with-drawals for a total of 46 students.

As always, we welcome all of the

Valuable Directory announceD

An updated and expanded version of the Minnesota Native AmericanTransition and Resource Directory is available free and in the public domain.It is 140 pages of resources, contacts and descriptions, including state ofMinnesota, counties, tribes and private agencies.

The work of the directory was sponsored by the Minnesota Department ofHuman Services and other departments. Originally developed in 2012, itprovides update information on 29 of Minnesota’s 87 counties, and informa-tion on tribal resources including urban offices.

Our appreciation goes to Richard Antell and to Lyle Iron Moccasin, whoboth sent out the information about the directory, released in May, and toDawn Paro, who forwarded this link to our staff:

http://www.doc.state.mn.us/pages/files/large-files/Publications/MNNativeAmericanTransitionandResourceDirectory2012.pdf

7

Activities this summer incude StressManagement and Enhancing Wellbeingwith Chronic Health ConditionsWorkshops. Their Counseling ServicesOffice is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Press 1 for an appointment. See nacc-healthcare.org for overall informationon NACC.

MaSHkiki WaakaaiGan

Mashkiki Waakaaigan is located at1433 E Franklin Ave., Suite 13B.Operated by the Fond du Lac Band,it offers assistance in meeting co-pays for enrolled members of anytribe who live in Hennepin orRamsey Counties.

Medication reviews are available byappointment. Open on Mondaythrough Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call612-871-1989 for information.

DiViSion oF inDian Work

DIW Health Services offers a foodshelf (Horizons Unlimited), pregnan-cy prevention counseling and a YouthLeadership Development Project.

For information on the other pro-grams at the DIW, 1001 East LakeStreet, call 612-721-8687 to learnmore. You can also view their pro-grams at gmcc.org, where you canalso find Vision on the Wind, theirnewsletter.

StronG FaSt Fit natiVe

Strong Fast Fit Native at the YWCAof Minneapolis Midtown location pro-vides an after-school fitness and nutri-tion program for Native and Latinoyouth ages 9-17 twice a week.

Youth engage in fun fitness and nutri-tion activities in culturally specificgroups. The program seeks to preventthe onset of obesity and the risk of TypeII Diabetes among youth in the Latinoand Native American communities.

Participating families receive a YWCAof Minneapolis family membership!

For more information, contact CrystalPelchat at 612-215-4367.

MinneSota inDian WoMen’SreSource center

The MIWRC, 2300 15th Avenue inSouth Minneapolis, serves individualsand families through education andhousing to bring about positivechange for Native American womenand families.

In the area of training and education,they educate profesionals and com-munity members about AmericanIndian reality, with a focus on preven-tion of alcohol, tobacco, and otherdrug issues. They provide libraryservices, research, publications, andworkshops, and they make computersavailable with staff assistance inATOD provention and genealogyresearch.

For information on their many pro-grams, call 612-728-2000 or visitmiwrc.org.

inDian HealtH boarD

The Indian Health Board offers med-ical and dental care and a Counselingand Support Clinic at 1315 E. 24thStreet. Their regular 5 p.m. closeweekdays is extended to 8 p.m.onTuesdays. The number for thoseservices is 612-721-9800, which willalso be answered by an on-call serv-ice after hours.

Call Tish at 612-721-9839 about theirDiabetes Prevention Program forthose over 18. Their Website: indian-healthboard.com.

elDer HaPPeninGS

MinneaPoliS aMerican inDiancenter

The Health and Wellness Seniorsprogram provides senior dining from7:45 to 8:45 each weekday. Theyalso can provide transportation forelders ages 62 and over.

The program encourages elders totake simple steps toward betterhealth. Three walks per week(Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridaysat 6 a.m.) are currently on their cal-endar, which can be viewed at theupdated MAIC Website, maicnet.org.

All American Indian people 55+ andtheir spouses in the state ofMinnesota are eligible. April Smithat 612-879-1770 can help you withenrolling in the program.

GineW/GolDen eaGle ProGraM

The Ginew/Golden Eagle Programsponsors activities and healthy mealsfor children. Physical exercise heldboth outdoors and indoors is bal-anced with study time. Indian youthages 5 to 18 can take part in activi-ties.

The calendar for the summerincludes Garden Camp and, forthose over 8, swimming. The themeis “Violence and gangs will get younothing but trouble.” Call JulieGreen at Golden Eagles, 612-879-1708, for more information, (or seemaicnet.org).

natiVe aMerican coMMunity clinic

Weekdays from 10 a. m. to 6 p.m,and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. are the hours of the NACC formedical and dental services, at 1213East Franklin, 612-872-8086.

to your HealtH

8

Graduation buddies: Krystal Pettersen, Sherri Greenand Ariana Trejo at the April 30 graduation.

GrAduAtInG In A rIsInG JOb MArkEt

The April 30 celebration for the graduating group of 39Takoda Institute students was a well-attended, full-house event which featured rounds of celebrating andwell-wishing. The graduates were as follows:

Computer Support Specialists: Andrew Anderson,Chris Beckwith, Tirsael Berhe, Romondo Creer,Cheyenne Fransen, Bradley George, Jason Grady,David Grim, Ali Hassan, Abimbola Jolaoso, PaulLevario, Saran Manning, Craig Marier, MywiahMonkweh, Marites Oberg, Julio Orellana, JeremyRapp, Mark Rusnak, Gregory Sanft, Patrick Tobin,Lori Williams.

Human Services Technicians: Ra’essa As-Sidiq, CherylCampbell, Tyann Christopher, Ariana Trejo.

Health Occupations Careers: Sherri Green, KrystalPettersen, Addis Yemaneh.

Health InformationTechnology Specialist:Gloria Cosper, AledaElliott, Peggy Erlandson,Nardos Erundas, ZacharyHatgidakis, Jeff Hinrichs,Dinah Honerbrink,Antonitte Mahto, JessicaNelson, FolakemiObadina, KathleenTouchstone.

At right:  Mark Rusnakmoves his tassle fromright to left after graduat-ing.

AIOIC CElEbrAtEs At GAlA

Thank you to everyone (including the sponsors shownabove) who made our first ever gala, held on April 17at the Elements Cafe at the Science Museum ofMinnesota, a success.

Over 200 friends and community members joined inthe fun and enjoyed a dinner, awards presentation, andcultural showcase. The event raised critical funds tosupport our programs and we are grateful to everyonewho made it possible, especially our generous spon-sors.

Visit aioic.org to see more photos from the evening.

Katie Fitzpatrick

CEO Joe  Hobot at the Gala, with Justin Cosgrove,Men’s Fancy Dancer; Denis Nevaquaya, ChickenDancer; and Rena Nevaquaya, Jingle Dress Dancer.

9

Pictures of a Graduation:  upper left:Instructor Richard Baldarrama, ComputerSupport Specialist graduate Lori Williams, andinstructor/Advisor Bert Christensen celebrate fol-lowing the formal graduation program April 30.

Middle right: Computer Support Specialistgraduate Julio Orellana shows his appreciationto family, including his sister, Maria Orellana, aprevious graduate, right.

left: HITSgraduateNardosErundas andadvisor LisaRoyce.

Hats up! The traditionlives on in this final tossof the caps for the win-ter quarter graduates.

Photos by MichelleGraff.

10

tHE AIOIC CAlEndArWeekly/Monthly:Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.: Intake and TABE testing

for Takoda Institute programsTBA: FAFSA workshops for student aid for poten-

tial students (held near quarter starts)Fridays at 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: WIN orienta-

tion, TABE testing (must be pre-registered andhave completed intake); Also, call Darlene atExt. 112 to schedule your ABE/GED intaketesting times

One-Time Events:Open Now: Enrollment in Takoda Prep (High

School)July 30: Takoda Institute quarterly graduationSeptember 1: Start of the Takoda Institute fall quar-

ter (New student orientation on August 31)

stAy COnnECtEd tO tHE AIOIC 

Social media is an excellent way to stay informed andconnected with us to find out about news, events, grad-uations, training dates, cultural stories and much more.

www.Facebook.com/AmericanIndianOICand www.Facebook.com/TakodaGroup

www.Twitter.com/aioic

www.LinkedIn.com, search “AmericanIndian OIC” in the “companies” category

Visit takoda.aioic.edu and check out this user-friendlysite, which continues to be updated with news, events,class schedules and much more.

rEVItAlIZEd PrOGrAMs

Health Information & Patient Services Specialist:Welcome new and returning HITS/HIPSS students. Weare glad you are here. We are excited about the new lookto HIPSS Summer Quarter. There are two main changesto this program. The first is our name, HealthInformation & Patient Services Specialist. This namereflects the duties and employment opportunities avail-able with this certificate. The second involves a changein course content. We have updated the course offeringsto enhance existing content and preparation for employ-ment in this field. One of these offerings will consist ofa Service Learning Experience, SLE, in the second quar-ter of classes. This opportunity offers a time of concen-trated workforce volunteer training in an area related tothis certificate. In addition to this experience, studentswill be given the opportunity to learn new skill sets cur-rently used in today’s market. Frequently, this may resultin a reference for a student for future employment or anoffer of employment, at the completion of the SLE.

Both of these changes support Takoda Institute’s mis-sion to provide relevant education, training and employ-ment services to our students.

In addition, I will also be experiencing a transition. Asthe Health Occupations program is on hiatus, my lastday will be June 30. My time here has been very reward-ing, and I will greatly miss everyone. Thank you for allof the wonderful and meaningful memories I will carrywith me. I wish you all great success in the days ahead.Pilamaya, Mii-gwetch!

Lisa Royce

The Administrative Professional Program saw evenmore changes, and began in the Spring quarter. First ofall, the students now will complete both the advancedcourses in Spreadsheets and in Word, and will be pre-pared to take the Microsoft Specialist exams in thoseareas.

A new course in Writing Fundamentals was rolled outlast quarter, and another course, Today’s ProfessionalOffice is being conducted this quarter. In the last quar-ter of this program, students will take a Capstone seriescourse in their area of concern. Call Latisha Cannon atExt. 133 to get started on this program or StephanieHobot at Ext. 126 to find out more about HIPPS.

These are the lastest programs to be changed inresponse to the job markets. Previously, the ComputerSupport Specialist Program was modified for thesame reasons. Come in or call to be part of the change.

11

FInAnCIAl AId nOtEs

The Takoda Institute of Higher Education is nowaccepting applications for the fall quarter, which willstart on September 1. An orientation for new studentswill be held with the Career Services staff and others onAugust 31.

To become a long-term student, you must completethese five steps: (1) have your GED or high schooldiploma; (2) take the entrance test (TABE); (3) meetwith a Career Services Representative to review yourtest scores and to complete your initial paperwork; (4)meet with the Financial Aid Officer to complete appli-cations for financial aid; and (5) meet with theRegistrar to register for classes.

To test, be at AIOIC on any Tuesday afternoon at 1:30.(No appointment needed.) The entrance test coversmath and reading, and lasts over two hours, withbreaks. Please call Career Services at Ext. 171 for moreinformation about the testing process if you need addi-tional assistance.

Those students interested in attending school in the fallquarter must complete the federal financial aid formsand provide a copy of federal tax returns if they filedthem. Due to Minnesota State budget concerns andthose of some tribal grant programs, those enrolling forfall or later quarters should test and apply for fundingwell before their expected start date to secure sufficientfunding for their first quarter.

Please contact our financial aid office if you have ques-tions about your eligibility or about our programs andassistance in meeting costs. We offer financial aid ses-sions at set times and by request.

AIOIC has 34 years of experience in training and plac-ing students into full-time employment. Each of ourstudents receives individual attention, with specialfocus on his or her needs and learning styles.

Our programs are up to nine months in length and offera quick entry into the employment market.

Our campus is centrally located at the intersection ofFranklin and Cedar Avenues, with access to many busroutes and direct access to the Franklin Avenue LightRail Station. Our campus also offers limited free park-ing for students and guests.

For more information, contact us at 612-341-3358 Ext.171, or me at Ext. 146.

Amy Kadrmas, (amyk@aioic.org)Director of Career Services

GIVE TO AIOIC:  Providing Opportunities. Changing Lives.

American Indian OIC appreciates the generosity of the readers of the SPIRIT. Contributions by individuals orcorporations help us to serve the students and other customers and to help them become self-sufficient. Your

donation is tax-deductible. Thank you.

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

City, State and Zip: __________________________________

Phone: ___________ email: __ _________ Contribution: ________Send to: AIOIC, 1845 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Phone is 612-341-3358.

you may want to send:$100  ________$50  ________$25     ________$15  ________

Amy Kadrmas

AMERICAN INDIAN OICSPIRIT

1845 East Franklin AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55404-2221

PUT STAMPHERE

On tHE MOVE

AIOIC is excited to announce an expansion of our social enterprise divisions-----Takoda Creative andTakoda Group. Both of these divisions are meant to benefit students while providing low-cost optionsfor businesses to expand their capacity. Takoda Creative is a creative service that provides design,branding, websites, and marketing for business and nonprofits in the area. We have worked with a vari-ety of local nonprofits including the Native American Community Clinic, Bii Gii Wiin, and the IndianHealth Board. In fact, you may have seen our work on local billboards. Takoda Group is a staffing serv-ice that connects jobseekers from Takoda Institute, area colleges, and those seeking a job change toemployers. AIOIC is also in the beginning stages of developing Takoda Tech, a social enterprise divi-sion that will be dedicated to computer support. What makes these services a social enterprise is that theyoffer internships and other learning opportunities for students to expand their understanding of businesspractices within their field of study.

Due to the growth of our two existing social enterprise divisions, AIOIC needs more space. In July, boththe social enterprises will be moving to the Metro Office Park in Bloomington which is situated 1½blocks from the American Boulevard light rail station. Websites for both Takoda Creative and TakodaGroup are in development and will be launched this summer. Contact information and further detailsabout the move will be located on the AIOIC website at www.aioic.org.

Mitzi Hobot, Executive Director of Organizational Development