Program Highlights

NBNY uses a variety of strategies to connect with all learning styles:

  • Tribal Sovereignty & Nation Building

  • Search Institute′s 40 Developmental Assets

  • Experiential trust and team-building exercises

  • DiSC® Behavioral Styles Inventory

  • Leadership Theory & Skills

  • Public speaking and presentations

  • Planning and decision-making exercises

  • Capstone Exercise

  • Mock Tribal Council

  • Motivational Speakers

  • Service Learning

  • On-going contact and mentoring

GOALS & OUTCOMES

NBNY aims to enable Native youth to lead positive, successful lives and ultimately serve and lead their communities. Participating youth gain increased self-awareness and self-confidence, exposure to cultural and social competencies. Youth also learn about: 1) the inner workings of tribal governments, 2) effective ways to operate in the greater society while remaining consistent with their culture, and 3) ways to mobilize community resources to make a difference.


WHY NBNY STANDS OUT
NBNY regularly receives a high 9.5+ out of ten from adult advisors and youth.
It distinguishes itself from other Native youth programs as follows:

  • Small size, high ratio of mentors to students

  • More intense and intentional than most youth conferences

  • High quality resource materials that can be used in the community

  • Focus on leadership for nation building and community development

  • Special instruction, mentoring and materials for adult advisors

  • Carefully blended multi-faceted curriculum designed and presented by professional team who are leaders in their fields

  • Participants receive continual feedback and can sense their progress and growth

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID ABOUT NBNY

  • “I learned I need to be ready for any opportunity.”
  • “NBNY showed me I can make a difference.”
  • “It made me want to be more involved and active in my community.”
  • “The Institute helped me understand specific jobs/skills my tribe needs help with.”
  • “NBNY will help me follow the issues of our tribe and maybe in the future, I will run for the Tribal Council.”
  • “I’ve gone to a lot of leadership programs before. . .this one was different. . .it was life changing.  I’m so glad I came!”
  • “It was awesome!”

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Up to 36 Native youth and 6-10 adult youth workers/teachers/advisors from tribes throughout the nation are eligible to attend. Eligible youths need not be A students, BUT they should be motivated and demonstrate leadership qualities, positive character traits and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. In addition, participants must:

  • Tuition is $400 per person with partial scholarships available IF youth submit the attached scholarship application.

  • Students will receive room & board for 4 days, and conference materials.

  • Be accompanied by an adult chaperone/advisor who also must pay travel-related costs and be available throughout the Institute.

  • Submit an application and permission forms.