Small Town News

Pathways to Prosperity program recognized in Washington D.C.

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An innovative program on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation that helps young students prepare for their college years and their future was recognized in Washington, D.C, recently.

The local Pathways to Prosperity Program's "Achieve the Dream" Youth Internship Program was recognized for its close and effective work with high school and college students when the program was named Idea Engineers for the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) Conference in Washington, D.C.

The program is designed to begin educating area youth on the importance of financial literacy and work ethics by engaging them in training activities and actual work experience.

Anna Sarcia served as director of the Turtle Mountain Pathways to Prosperity Program since the poverty-reduction program began on the reservation through a 10-year grant from the Northwest Area Foundation of Minneapolis, MN.

The P2P Program in Belcourt was recognized as an "Idea Engineer" after being nominated by Tony Genia of the Northwest Area Foundation. The main reason for that honor was for a project that is headed by Erika Malaterre, Community Outreach Specialist for the Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Program. The local Youth IDA (individual development account) Internship, otherwise known the Achieve the Dream Youth Internship Program has become a proven success in the community and among similar poverty-reduction programs like P2P around the country.

Sarcia was adamant last week about her not being the individual who was responsible for the honor. "When I worked as director of Pathways, it was always my feeling that we Were all part of a team with our own roles in the effort. However, it was an honor for me personally to take part in the festivities during my visit to (Washington) D.C. for the CFED conference," she said. "I did feel a little undeserving to be there, however, since the person responsible for our Youth IDA project's success is Erika Malaterre. She has molded that program to lit our community and she works diligently with each and every intern as well as the supporting businesses and offices. I tried to represent her and the project as best I could and I felt Erika had given me enough infor-mation about Achieve the" Dream where I could speak well on its behalf."

Achieve the Dream has had several success stories already, said Malaterre and the P2P staff member is proud of each one of the interns who made the needed steps toward self-sufficiency.

"The training that we offer is the most important part that I want the students to complete," Malaterre said. "The rest is important, but the training is so critical, especially our financial literacy workshops we coordinate. I strongly believe that this program can help break the cycle of poverty on our reservation. That's what motivates me and the others here at Pathways to Prosperity"

The Achieve the Dream Youth internship Program pays for selected students to work in local businesses and offices, gaining work experience. The P2P project pays for 240 hours each summer for each intern's work experience at various sites. Half of that salary automatically goes into an individual development account. After the intern completes the program and is ready to pursue an education, start a business or purchase a home, P2P will match those savings on a 2 to l scale. If a student saves the entire summer with the required half of their salary, they would have at least $1,250 in their savings account to help pay for college, buy a home or start a business.

Katy Monette was an intern this past summer for Achieve the Dream. Monette is in her second year of college and attending the Turtle Mountain Community College, majoring in accounting.

"The program really helped me learn the importance of saving money. The Pathways staff was very helpful to me and they were all great to work with. I appreciate all of what the program and the people who helped me when 1 needed assistance or guidance." Monette said.

The goal of the Achieve the Dream program is to have long-lasting positive effects for young people going to college or just getting into the workforce. This was the second summer session for the program and Malaterre noted that P2P plans to keep any successful program going.

"We want to give as many people an opportunity for this as possible, so we give preference each summer for new, interested applicants," Malatecre said.

For more information on the Achieve the Dream Youth Internship Program, contact Erika Malaterre at 477-3300.



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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