In order to qualify for the program, applicants must have a current grade point average of 3.0, be 18 years old by December 31, 2008, may not be older than 20 years old by December 31, 2008, and, in the 2008-09 school year, be entering into either their senior year in high school or their freshman year in college. They also must be willing to devote six weeks of their summer to come to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation headquarters in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  

“If you apply to the program and are chosen to participate, the CPN will pay you to work for the tribe for six weeks as an intern,” Capps said. “The CPN will also provide your round-trip transportation from your home and will help subsidize your food expense.” 

PLP participants will stay in dormitory housing at the CPN headquarters. They will report to headquarters every workday and will comply with a workplace schedule and dress code. They will be assigned to different departments throughout the six-week program. 

Vice Chairman Capps adds, “Your job will be to attend classroom instruction and job-shadowing, learn how your tribe works, and assist in any duties assigned to you. During the last week of the program you will write a term paper about your experiences at the CPN and then give an oral report, based on your paper, to the Legislature for a pass/fail grade.”

If prospective applicants or their parents have any questions, they can call Dennette Summerlin at the tribal headquarters. The toll-free number is 800-880-9880, ext. 1103.  The CPN telephone switchboard is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., CST.