COEUR D` ALENE – FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES EXTENSION PROGRAM

<b>Project Methods</b><br> The method of delivery is primarily in- and out-of-school time programming. We meet youth where they are geographically and where we can have the most impact. In partnership with the local school districts, we have been able to reach more youth, particularly, teens during school with designated "Extension" hours. Teens have expressed they want more opportunities to lead, make a difference in their community, and make the schools a better place to learn. They have chosen enrichment projects such as the Smi'yemi'lsh (Young Women's) Society, Know Your Government, Teen Health Advocates, Build Your Future, and YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health). Afterschool enrichment for youth includes TMC (Think Make Create) STEM Lab, Culture is Prevention, Basketball STEAM, 4-H CAN (Create Art Now), and Healthy Living.The CDA Tribe is interested in retaining its young people by providing a summer youth employment program and placing many of the young people in positions within existing programs throughout the Tribal organization. The CDA Tribe's Natural Resources Department is one of the largest Tribal departments with over 70 employees and offers a variety of employment opportunities. The CDA Reservation FRTEP is in a unique position to provide educational programs that meet specific, local needs of adults and youth which are not available nor provided by other entities. In addition, the CDA Reservation FRTEP has been instrumental in bringing people, departments, and agencies together to strengthen and unify programming efforts in the reservation community. Keeping the youth involved in land-based and environmental activities and careers is a priority of the CDA Tribe. In combining the initiatives of the CDA Reservation Extension Program and goals of the CDA Tribe, affecting at-risk youth behaviors through out-of-school time programming is sure to yield positive results. By implementing the 4-H Life Skills Model of learning-by-doing, youth will acquire important life skills and develop personal interests that could lead to future career pathways. The CDA Reservation Extension staff is known throughout the community, among youth, and serves as trusted "teachers" for children during critical in-school and afterschool hours to minimize risk factors present in the community.