Tinitun College and Career Readiness Center helps students take the next step
Peighton Curran talks with other students at the Tinitun College and Career Readiness Center.
“Tinitun” is a Dena’ina word meaning “path.” At the Tinitun College and Career Readiness Center, highschool students are able to find resources and support to map out their future paths.
“Making connections and building relationships are key,” said Sara Battiest, the College and Career Readiness Manager. “The intention is to build those relationships, and then walk alongside each of them as they discover who they are and what they want to be.”
The College and Career program serves Alaska Native and American Indian students in ninth through 12th grade. Three program coordinators serve as advisers for college-bound students, students interested in career and technical training, and Indigenous students interested in becoming teachers.
“There is such a need for teachers who are Indigenous to teach Indigenous students,” Battiest said.
Krista Pitsch, the Tribe’s Community Education Administrator, said that the vision for the College and Career program is to provide a “one-stop shop with the resources for Kenaitze youth to thrive.”
During a recent opening celebration, a number of students stopped by to check out the center, where there’s space for meeting with advisers, activities, or just hanging out.
“It’s fun, and I get to hang out with my friends,” said Peighton Curren, a Daggeyi Youth Intern, over a game of Uno. Curren said she’s interested in becoming a teacher.
Kennah Gregory, Indigo Gregory, Tanner Gregory, Jamie Curran and Peighton Curran (back to camera) play a competitive game of Uno at Tinitun College and Career Readiness Center.
Luke Cole, who is heading into his junior year of high school, said he’s interested in college advice and learning about scholarship opportunities.
Kennah Gregory and Indigo Erikson Gregory are familiar with the Tribe’s services through other programs.
“We normally go to the after-school and summer program. We’re looking for job and career advice,” Kennah Gregory said.
Indigo Erikson Gregory said she’s not necessarily ready to think about a career just yet, but appreciates the resources and helpful staff.
“What it’s like in the future – you don’t know where you’re headed,” she said, adding that she thinks the program will help.
Tinitun staff can help students overcome barriers, and encourage things like placement tests or on-the-job training. The program also offers apprenticeship for students to build workplace experience.
“We have apprenticeships for them to be able to work at the end of their high school career,” Battiest said. “They are placed in a work experience that models their interests, so they can gain some experience in areas that they’re interested in.”
The Tinitun College and Career Readiness Center is located at 130 North Willow Street in Kenai. Drop-in hours are 2:30-4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
For more information about the Tinitun College and Career Readiness Program, call 907-335-7607.
