Source: CHIEF DULL KNIFE COLLEGE submitted to
2012-2014 CHIEF DULL KNIFE COLLEGE EXTENSION SERVICE CAPACITY GRANT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0226606
Grant No.
2011-47002-30854
Project No.
MONE-2011-02311
Proposal No.
2011-02311
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
NK
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2011
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2014
Grant Year
2013
Project Director
Thompson, Y.
Recipient Organization
CHIEF DULL KNIFE COLLEGE
1 COLLEGE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 98
LAME DEER,MT 59043
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
CDKC's Extension Service personnel, in collaboration with its stakeholders, strive to meet the demands for educational resources and training to: (a) improve the socio-economic conditions of Northern Cheyenne, (b) strengthen our community's capacity to conduct economic analysis, (c) increase knowledge-based skills of our available workforce, (d) shift from survival economics to members of a global economy and (e) improve the quality of life forcommunity members. For generations, community members have learned survival economics on our homeland, with goods and services produced for the sole purpose of pawning for necessities (groceries, gas money and bills). As our national economy becomes more global, through venues such as e-commerce, opportunities for enterprising skills have also increased, with the exception of our geographically isolated Indian reservation communities. Tribal members seeking to go into business often have little or no credit history, bad credit, or non-traditional means of capital or equity. Aside from capital, the majority lack basic business language. Limited employment opportunities have pushed members to move to bordering towns. Decisions, such as these, further reduce the number of individuals actively participating in our reservation's labor force and reinvesting their earnings in our communities. September 2010 survey (Figure 1) results, sampled 158 community members for the purpose of Native CDFI Market Analysis, as conducted by Oweesta, CDKC Extension, and Peoples Partners for Community Development. The following results are particularly beneficial to understanding the shortcomings within our community and ensuring the programs, resourcesand training Extension Services is providing is continuing to remove large and small obstacles that impede Northern Cheyenne's participation in the financial marketplace. For the past 13 years, CDKC Extension staff has worked extensively with the Northern Cheyenne community and CDKC stakeholders to envision and implement strategies to strengthen the economic base of our reservation. Over the next three year period, CDKC will require the hiring of a full time Tribal College Extension Director and a half-time Program Assistant in order to accomplish the following objectives and create a more efficient use of scare resources, eliminate barriers from participation in today's marketplace (geography, financial, education, workforce) and stimulate economic and community development growth from within. Staff will work with Montana State University (MSU) Extension Service and other state and federal agencies in providing quality outreach services and education. Extension programs as outlined in the following objectives include, but are not limited to: financial readiness, the Indianprenuer business plan development curriculum, Building Native Communities, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360993020100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
Objective 1) Increase skill set to meet the demands for able-bodied community members to stimulate the economy and address Northern Cheyenne's continued economic decline. CDKC Extension personnel, in partnership with TERO will develop a collaborative approach for the design and implementation of a comprehensive skill shortage action plan; collect data to assess community employment needs, the availability of workers who possess particular skills in the local labor pool and the availability of training resources; design training strategies to respond to three of the skill shortages identified; pilot these strategies with eligible low wage, unemployed, discouraged workers and new entrants to the labor force to determine if these strategies meet employers' expressed skill shortage needs. By engaging approximately 60 participants(avg. 15 participants/quarter) annually through a series of quarterly workshops and 84 participants (avg. 7 participants/month) in specialized monthly work skills building training, we can begin to reduce the epidemic production of an unskilled labor force and change the economic landscape of our reservation. Objective 2) Increase accessibility to resources that build leadership, strong work ethic and future business development to create long term impacts on economic and community development. CDKC Extension staff will coordinate community partnerships to provide financial education, business plan composition, market analysis, cash flow projections, marketing strategies/portfolio development, organizational forms, and legal protections to encourage profitable enterprises. Objective 3) Increase community members' knowledge of personal finances, assets, predatory lending, debt to income ratios and commercial loan applications. CDKC Extension staff will integrate modules of the Building Native Communities, Financial Skills for Families, developed by First Nations, in partnership with FIB and PPCD. Staff will also operate a Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) site with free tax preparation in Lame Deer and Ashland. As a result of this tax intervention, community members have invested $1,319,267.00 in returns (not including year one 2006). Given the return on investment, will expand our asset building information to include payday loans information, commercial lending (specifically auto) and credit cards. In addition, 2day Tax Clinics will also be made available beginning in 2012 in Busby and Little Bighorn College (on the neighboring Crow Indian reservation). Objective 4) Increase accessibility to shared Extension resources and support through the use of technical assistance and educational resource materials. Extension staff will make available literature, curriculum and consumer education guides (Montguides provided by MSU) to those who are working toward boosting financial literacy, strengthening family and personal well-being, financial management, homeownership, decision making and goal setting, and sustainable health and wealth in rural/tribal communities.
Project Methods
Chief Dull Knife College Extension Service will utilize the Logic Model in the evaluation component of the grant. This will also serve as a guideline in the methods of program delivery. Each objective will have set activities targeting participates that will have greatest impacts or outcomes. Quarterly workshops and specialized monthly training will be offered to increase skill set of community members. Nontraditional students, discouraged workforce and minimum wage earners will be the targeted participants. Outcomes will be active participation/increased knowledge for participants. For medium and long term outcomes, participants will be actively seeking employment, improved job retention, gainfully employment and reduced High School drop out rates. Business development classes will increase awareness of business structure and participants will increase knowledge/skill with long term impacts of improved economic condition on the reservation communities private sector. Through the VITA, Asset Building Strategies, Tax Clinics, Debt Management, Predatory lending classes, participants will have increased knowledge of personal finances. They will have long term improved financial decision making skills; savings and reinvesting within community for goods/services and a subsistence shift to market economics. Accessibility to shared Extension resources will bridge gaps for community, workforce and economic development with a long term outcome of enhanced economic civic and social foundation.

Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience were residents of the Northern Cheyenne reservation and surrounding communities. This includes individuals, families and youth. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Staff participated in professional organizations such as Montana Indian Business Association, FALON (Tribal College Land grant professional organization) to increase their skill level and knowlege so that intern they could help the Northern Cheyenne community. Staff also participated in yearly NIFA administrators conferences as well as state Extension Service conferences and training. Staff utilized webinars and internet to train for certification for the VITA/TCE tax certification. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Staff utilized poster, flyers, local newpapers and newsletters to disseminate to communities. Social media along with public radio service was also utilized to broaden outreach. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Community members increased knowledge and skill level to be able to actively participate in job opportunities on or near the reservation. Some members started their own businesses while others had the opportunity to expand their exisiting business. Community members increased their abilities to financially manage their resources, improved their credit score and overal finanical knowledge. One young lady, started the financial education program and had no credit rating when she began the program. After attending classes and participating in the credit builders loan program, she was able to go to the bank and secure a vehicle with a very low interest rate! Community members were able to save money and bring their tax dollars back to the community by utilizing CDKC's free tax prepartion site. Over a three year period, the tax site helped familiies obtain over 2.5 millions dollars of tax refunds, credits and incentives. Community members had access to Extension resources through the use of Extension Services nationwide via the internet and through our partnership with Montana State University Extension.

Publications


    Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: The target audiences for this reporting period are the Northern Chyenne community members (individuals, families and youth). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Northern Cheyenne community has gained knowledge and has taken action to change practices for positive social and economic change. By utilizing the Extension Service Programs, community organizations tool action to develop strategic plans and clear action plans that are steps toward creating a viable economy. The VITA program, free income tax preparation, served 500 community families, in two reservation tax sites. $1,100,000 total refunds were received by participants and the community. Staff updated the asset resource directory listing all programs, organizations, institutions and churches that provide asset services and benefits. This directory was updated monthly and will be available in a booklet as well as on-line. 21 community members completed the (2) 13 weeks business plan development classes which utilized the ONABEN Indianpreneurship curriculum 8 of the participants completed a business plan. Two participants were awarded $7,000.00 by the Montana Department of Commerce as recipients of the Indian Equity grant. Additional workshops were provided to the community members to continue increasing their business knowledge and skills. Financial education was provided to community utilizing First Nation’s Building Native Communities curriculum. A credit builders program was created to help individuals/families build or repair credit. Staff assisted 30 community members in repairing credit, person budgets, bankruptcy and other services. Each summer, services were provided to reservation youth. 79 youth participated in a six week summer session and gained knowledge on financial education, business development, reading enhancement, culture and healthy lifestyles. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Extension staff partner with local, state and federal partners in most of the Extension activities. All partners have access to the materials as well as community programs and other Chief Dull Knife College programs. Each activity is recorded in a binder and anyone can access the binders What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Over the next year, strategies created to strength the Northern Cheyenne communities, existing employers, and attract new enterprises and entrepreneurs will continue. The process builds on each year, starting with short-term learning and action outcomes that are designed to have long term impact on the social and economic conditions so that a collective vision of sustainable economics will be achieved. Workshops/training increased local residents' knowledge and/or strengthened new or existing businesses. Business plan development classes (2 - 13 sessions (winter & summer)) were offered to community members wanting to start a business. Partnerships and collaboration with the Northern Cheyenne tribal programs and local non-profit organizations were forged to address economic development issues. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site was established and free tax preparation was provided to the community. Financial education workshops and one on one personal financial counseling was given to community members. Summer enrichment activities were provided to the Northern Cheyenne youth in the form of day camp, Kid Kollege. Staff also worked with community members in providing a demonstration garden for community. Extension staff also partnered with state and regional organizations to provided additional services to the Northern Cheyenne communities.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? What was accomplished under these goals Participants increased awareness, knowledge, and skill of development of strategic, action plans. Community members, local organizations and tribal government programs utilize the Extension personnel and materials to develop policies and improve conditions on the reservation demonstrating an increase awareness of Extension Service programs, materials and resources. Participants increased knowledge of business plan development and one on one business development counseling. Participants increased knowledge of personal finances and had access to credit counseling. A business directory which includes current business, services provided and contact information. Two staff maintained the credit counseling program which served local community members. A VITA site, free tax preparation was developed and services were provided.

    Publications


      Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

      Outputs
      OUTPUTS: Land grant status and funding opportunities through NIFA has afforded quality community and economic development resources and programs on a continued basis to Chief Dull Knife College and the Northern Cheyenne community. With NIFA funding, Chief Dull Knife College Extension Service in collaboration with Montana State University Extension Services provided to the Northern Cheyenne community, information, outreach activities and non formal education for area residents wanting to develop their community resources and to learn comprehensive community economics. Prior to land grant status and the tribal college extension programs, there was a lack of focus for developing and delivering of programs to reach the reservation community members. The impetus for programs was a grant, usually short-lived, or a request for specific training, also short duration. CDKC Extension Service program fills a niche in preparing community members solve problems and develop projects with accurate information, training and on-going support by agents who are members of the community. Over the past year, strategies were created to strength the Northern Cheyenne communities, existing employers, and attract new enterprises and entrepreneurs. The process builds on each year, starting with short-term learning and action outcomes that are designed to have long term impact on the social and economic conditions so that a collective vision of sustainable economics will be achieved. Workshops/training increased local residents' knowledge and/or strengthened new or existing businesses. Business plan development classes (2 - 13 sessions (winter & summer)) were offered to community members wanting to start a business. Partnerships and collaboration with the Northern Cheyenne tribal programs and local non-profit organizations were forged to address economic development issues. A Northern Cheyenne business bank in collaboration with Montana Indian Business Alliance was developed and is updated quarterly. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site was established and free tax preparation was provided to the community. Extension staff also partnered with state and regional organizations to provided additional services to the Northern Cheyenne communities. PARTICIPANTS: Extension staff partner with local, state and federal partners in most of the Extension activities. Local partners include non-profit organizations such as People's Partners for Community Development and the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation; Tribal government (Economic Development Committee, Tribal Council members and elected officials); Tribal programs (Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority); local businesses such as First Interstate Bank; Flower Grinder; Cheyenne Depot; Charging Horse Casino. Staff also work closely with local schools St. Labre, Lame Deer Public School and Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. State partners include the Department of Commerce, Montana Indian Business Alliance, Tax Help Montana and Montana State University Extension Service. Federal partners are USDA-NIFA programs and the Internal Revenue Service. Staff also partner with other regional partners to provided services such as First Nations Development Institute, Rural Dynamics Incorporation and FALCON. TARGET AUDIENCES: CDKC Extension Service target audiences are community members on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. Services are also extended to neighboring communities and towns that border the Northern Cheyenne reservation. Services are available to all that request assistance. Staff focus on individuals and families that are low to moderate income based and have a need for services provided. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

      Impacts
      Participants increased awareness, knowledge, and skill of development of strategic, action plans. Community members, local organizations and tribal government programs utilize the Extension personnel and materials to develop policies and improve conditions on the reservation demonstrating an increase awareness of Extension Service programs, materials and resources. Participants increased knowledge of business plan development and one on one business development counseling. Participants increased knowledge of personal finances and had access to credit counseling. A business directory which includes current business, services provided and contact information. Two staff maintained the credit counseling program which served local community members. A VITA site, free tax preparation was developed and services were provided. The Northern Cheyenne community has gained knowledge and has taken action to change practices for positive social and economic change. By utilizing the Extension Service Programs, community organizations tool action to develop strategic plans and clear action plans that are steps toward creating a viable economy. The VITA program, free income tax preparation, served 439 community families, in two reservation tax sites. $911,856.00 total refunds were received by participants and the community. Staff also completed an asset resource directory listing all programs, organizations, institutions and churches that provide asset services and benefits. This directory is updated monthly and will be available in a booklet as well as on-line. 26 community members completed the (2) 13 weeks business plan development classes which utilized the ONABEN Indianpreneurship curriculum 12 of the participants completed a business plan. Two participants were awarded $7,000.00 by the Montana Department of Commerce as recipients of the Indian Equity grant. Additional workshops were provided to the community members to continue increasing their business knowledge and skills. Financial education was provided to community utilizing First Nation's Building Native Communities curriculum. A credit builders program was created to help individuals/families build or repair credit. Staff assisted 35 community members in repairing credit, person budgets, bankruptcy and other services

      Publications

      • No publications reported this period