The mission of the Summer Career Exploration Program is to advance the knowledge and interests of 14 and 15-year-olds in the areas of careers, culture, and community.

The program takes students to various job sites and incorporates guest speakers and hands-on learning experiences. Examples of past career tours include:

  • Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Clinic

  • Tinker Air Force Base

  • OSBI crime lab

  • Cherokee County Sheriff Department

  • GRDA Facilities

  • Mid America Industrial Park

  • Small Business

Now offering two sessions - Each session will run Monday through Thursday.

  • Session One:
    Serving Tahlequah and surrounding counties - June 2 - June 12

  • Session Two:
    Serving Sequoyah and surrounding counties. - June 29 - July 9

How to Get Started

Complete the Cherokee Nation Career Services Career Exploration Program form to answer a few quick questions and connect with our team. This allows us the information we need to send you the application forms and additional information about our program.

Initial documents needed:

  • Tribal ID

  • Social Security

Contact Us

Cherokee Nation Career Services
Phone: 918-458-0577

Frequently Asked Questions

Students must be either 14 or 15 on the first day of the program. It is fine if they turn 16 after the program starts

Hours vary and are based upon tour locations and activities for the day. All dates and times will be posted once the application process opens – usually in February and March.

The location varies each summer and may include more than one county location. This information will be available once the application process opens.

  •  Reside within the Cherokee Nation Reservation
  • Be age 14 or 15 by the first day of the program
  • Completed application, including one letter of recommendation from a teacher.

No. Career Exploration is not a work program; however, students do receive a daily stipend for attendance if accepted.

Updated August 23, 2026