American Indian OIC (AIOIC) has received a $10,000 gift from Augsburg University to strengthen its youth education programming.

The contribution comes as AIOIC, a 42-year-old workforce development organization, is gearing up to serve more youth through education as well as Youth Employment Services (YES) programming this summer and into the fall. Its work through the Minneapolis Youth Works program, for example, provides city residents aged 16-24 with career coaching, job training and links to paid internships.

“This gift validates our work, helping us to continue to provide the education and employment services so critical for our community,” said Joe Hobot, AIOIC president and chief executive officer. “This investment also is timely, given the sharp rise in violence in the city of Minneapolis. We are working hard to ensure that young people have access to high quality college and career exploration programming – especially over the summer months.”

The gift is the result of conversations between Augsburg and AIOIC about finding ways to work together to overcome educational disparities, and encourage Native youth and others to pursue their academic journeys, said Paul Pribbenow, Augsburg University’s president. “We at Augsburg University are pleased to support American Indian OIC’s efforts to keep our youth safe and engaged.”

The two organizations also are discussing ways to strengthen ties through shared research, teaching and community engagement. AIOIC’s Takoda (Dakota for “Friend to All”) programming addresses education and employment disparities on four fronts: training, career coaching, adult education and an alternative high school.

About American Indian OIC

American Indian OIC was founded in 1979 as a practical resource and response to the considerable education and employment disparities faced by American Indians living in and around south Minneapolis. The AIOIC’s mission is to empower American Indians to pursue career opportunities through individualized education, training and human services in a culturally rich environment.

Although created to support people of Native descent, American Indian OIC’s resources and programs are available to all people regardless of race, creed, age, gender or sexual orientation. For more information, go to aioic.org.

Augsburg

Augsburg University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to 3,400 students of diverse backgrounds at its campus in the vibrant center of the Twin Cities and nearby Rochester, Minnesota, location. Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings. Learn more at Augsburg.edu.

Contact:

Ann Merrill
American Indian OIC
612-341-3358, ext. 157
[email protected]