Technology
Technology
In 2022, WSCAT received a grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to conduct a needs assessment and determine whether there was capacity and interest in offering technology workforce experiences. Over the next few years, the program grew significantly.
Grow with Google
In 2023, we developed a partnership with Google to enroll participants in the Grow with Google Certificate program through Coursera. We initially received 200 codes and were able to give them all away in less than two years.
Participants have the option to enroll in six courses:
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
IT Support
UX Design
Cybersecurity
Project Management
The courses range from 5-8 distinct modules to earn a certificate. All certificates qualify participants or entry level employment in the field. Each course also covers topics related to resume writing and finding a job in the field, including remote job options.
Intake for the program: https://www.cognitoforms.com/WSCAT1/WorkforceIntake
Currently, participants who earn their certificate will receive a $500 stipend. The stipend is available, based on funding, and is not guaranteed.
Filmmaking
Our youth workforce program has a growing focus on filmmaking. In 2022, WSCAT hosted our first filmmaking workshop. Since then, we have begun offering internships to youth to learn how to write, produce, and edit short films. Youth have opportunities to work alongside Warm Springs Tribal Member and filmmaker LaRonn Katchia and Indigenous Actress Cara Jade Meyers (Killers of the Flower Moon) to learn the process from start to finish.
The youth have attended film festivals to showcase their work, including entering The Recipe into the LA Skins Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, where it received an award.
For information on other filmmaking activities, see Youth Theater and Filmmaking.
Other Technology Opportunities
WSCAT is reaching out to tribal departments and other organizations to find opportunities for participants who completed the program to participate in an internship. Our first participant completed the IT Support program and participated in an internship at Indian Head Casino.
Other technology internships include youth opportunities at WSCAT to develop IT skills, podcasting, digital marketing, and filmmaking.
The tech industry is nearly non-existent in the Warm Springs Community, but that does not dissuade us from trying to develop this highly lucrative business and job sector. This includes plans to focus on coding and app development. We hope to not only grow the tech sector, but develop a tribal social media app that can feature our asset map: https://sites.google.com/wscat.org/assetmap/home
To see a list of current internships available, reach out to workforce staff directly.
Tech Program partnerships in development
NWNC Renewable Energy Tech partnership (WSPE, Clackamas CC, NWNC, GRID Alternatives) - WSCAT is hoping to recruit a Warm Springs Cohort to this training program add additional support services to that cohort. Please see program information here: Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative - Northwest Native Chamber
COCC Pre-Apprenticeship program - WSCAT has met with the Central Oregon Community College’s Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Program to host a future cohort directly in Warm Springs in the near future.
Resume & Job Readiness
If you have completed training or internship and are interested in receiving support in finding a job, WSCAT has opportunities for one-on-one resume writing and interview prep. Please reach out directly to schedule an appointment or learn about upcoming training.