Education

Services & Programs

The Ninilchik Traditional Council provides a variety of educational advancement opportunities for young children to adults. While most services are specifically established to serve the tribal membership or Ninilchik lands native population, select services are offered to members of the public. Please check the eligibility description for each program.

Use the tabs below to navigate between our education programs and services.

Preschool & Elementary

Middle & High School

College & Adult

Early Learning Program

Students of the NTC Early Learning Program learn preschool fundamentals and skills to give them a solid foundation for entering elementary school. Graduates of the Early Learning Program tend to have a stronger command of verbal communication, reading, and mathematics when they enter Kindergarten. On top of emphasizing an early introduction to academics, Christina Pinnow introduces students to art, movement, social skills, peer skills, and culturally themed activities. The class meets in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. Students entering Kindergarten the following school year also have an extended class option in spring to help the transition to a longer school day.

Eligibility

  • 3 to 5 years of age (Must be 3 years of age by September 1st)
  • Enrollment open to public (with a native preference policy)
  • Maximum Students: 12
  • Prospective students should have command of basic words and phrases such as “yes” or “no” and basic skills such as bathroom training.

Class Information

When:

~ October – April (excluding school holidays)
~ Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Where:

~Early Learning Program Classroom, NTC Subsistence Building, Ninilchik

 

Johnson O’Malley Program at Ninilchik School

The Ninilchik Traditional Council serves native students of Ninilchik School through the Johnson O’Malley program fund. The fund provides students and their families assistance with paying a variety of school program costs including preschool fees, sports and extracurricular activity fees, summer camp program fees, and costs associated other school-sponsored activities such as participating in the Close Up program in Washington, DC. 

This invaluable program was created from the passage of the Johnson O’Malley Act by the US Congress in 1934 to help native students across the country engage in a broad spectrum of educational opportunities throughout their childhood and youth. Students who participate in early learning programs, educational camps, and extracurricular activities tend to get higher grades and demonstrate positive life skills throughout their adult lives.

Eligibility

  • Native students attending Ninilchik school demonstrating a need for assistance to fund participation in school activities and school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
  • Ninilchik School students up to and including 12th grade.

Click below for NTC office and business locations, hours, and contact information.

Johnson O’Malley Program at Ninilchik School

The Ninilchik Traditional Council serves native students of Ninilchik School through the Johnson O’Malley program fund. The fund provides students and their families assistance with paying a variety of school program costs including preschool fees, sports and extracurricular activity fees, summer camp program fees, and costs associated other school-sponsored activities such as participating in the Close Up program in Washington, DC. 

This invaluable program was created from the passage of the Johnson O’Malley Act by the US Congress in 1934 to help native students across the country engage in a broad spectrum of educational opportunities throughout their childhood and youth. Students who participate in early learning programs, educational camps, and extracurricular activities tend to get higher grades and demonstrate positive life skills throughout their adult lives.

Eligibility

  • Native students attending Ninilchik school demonstrating a need for assistance to fund participation in school activities and school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
  • Ninilchik School students up to and including 12th grade.

Click below for NTC office and business locations, hours, and contact information.

Ninilchik Traditional Council Scholarship

The Ninilchik Traditional Council offers a $1500 scholarship to one selected tribal member graduating from high school or the Connections Program in Ninilchik. Applicants should demonstrate a dedication to education and pursuing their goals. The deadline for applications is May 1st.

Eligibility

  • Tribal members graduating high school or the Connections Program in Ninilchik

Higher Education Grant

The Tribal Services Department offers funding to tribal students enrolled in a 4-year higher education program who face financial challenges while attending school. Applicants are approved based on a needs assessment. Participants in good academic standing may re-apply for each semester. Deadlines are August 10th and December 10th.

Eligibility

  • Tribal members attending a 4-year accredited educational institution full-time (or 12+ credits)
  • Demonstrate unmet financial needs
  • Must submit copy of FAFSA eligibility assessment

Adult Vocational Training

The Adult Vocational Training program helps subsidize the costs of attending a vocational, technical, or other professional skills institute. Applicants must demonstrate that the field of training they will be studying will feasibly allow them to be employed in that field in order to help stem unemployment or underemployment. Alaska’s economy has long been dependent on a strong workforce comprised of many individuals with a variety of honed skills and trades, and the Adult Vocational Training program helps our collective economy.

Eligibility

  • Native adults 18 or older (including graduating high school seniors 17 years of age)
  • Demonstrate needs for education for employment
  • Must reside within Ninilchik tribal boundaries

Click below for NTC office and business locations, hours, and contact information.