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Native Workforce Services Program (NWSP)

A skilled workforce is critical to the future of our Native communities.

Providing Support

NWSP supports comprehensive employment and training activities while helping clients get the trainings and certifications needed to build a sustainable career, including:

  • Job counseling
  • Academic counseling and assistance
  • Referrals and placement
  • Support with applications to government benefit programs, such as unemployment and SNAP
  • Employment-related training

Native Infrastructure Careers & Education (NICE) Project

The Native Infrastructure Careers & Education (NICE) Project has a goal of increasing Native workers in mid-to-high skilled occupations in the transportation sector.

NICE is fully funded for 5 years by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Program. This accounts for 49% of the total Native Workforce Services Program budget.  

Program Eligibility

To be eligible, a participant must be:
•   A resident of King, Snohomish, or Pierce County
•  Over 18 years of age
•  A member of a federally recognized tribe (Native American, Alaska Natives and Pacific Islanders)
•  Unemployed or underemployed
•  Meeting U.S. Department of Labor income guidelines

Contacts

Sharlene Wong
Outreach Specialist [email protected] (206) 588-9096

Contacts

Kolbi Monasmith
Program Manager [email protected] (425) 414-0051

Additional Resources

Washington State Employment Security Department

Apply for unemployment benefits, register businesses, find info about the labor market and hiring, and receive help with layoffs.

Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center

Offers five specialty programs that can give individuals the skills needed to get a high-wage, high-demand job in manufacturing.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Food, cash, medical, housing assistance, child support, vocational rehabilitation, adult care, mental health & addiction services.

Veterans, Seniors & Human Services Levy

A wide range of programs connecting those in need with affordable housing, employment, behavioral health, and more.

Worksource Washington

A statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit agencies that provides employment and training services to Washington job seekers.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.

Scholarship and Tuition Resources

Scholarships & Tuition Resources

Apply for resources and scholarships to use for college admission, classroom success, and to turn your degree into a lasting career.

FAFSA Application

Small tuition support is available through NWSP. A completed FAFSA application is required to receive support.

Learn More

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is an employment and training adult program that is funded through Department of Labor to serve federally enrolled American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) that lives in King County by increasing their education and employment skills and assisting them in earning recognized credentials to secure a living wage. 

Learn More

Office of Labor Standards (OLS)

Office of Labor Standards outreach specialist Sharlene Wong helps educate our Seattle Native American workers on minimum wage, wage theft and secure scheduling. We assist our Seattle workers to be confident in understanding the Seattle Ordinances from OLS. 

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Thanks to our program sponsors: