PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS (PFS) is a division of the Laguna Department of Education, established to improve educational services to the community. The Laguna Department of Education (LDOE) established Partners for Success through the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act, Public Law 102-477. Five programs were consolidated to form PFS: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Johnson O'Malley (JOM), Adult Education, Employment Assistance, and Higher Education.

By applying PL 102-477, PFS increases the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs. The law gives tribes the opportunity to consolidate their federally funded programs into one fully integrated program to allow for greater flexibility in the delivery of services. One advantage of this consolidation is that tribal members no longer have to apply to separate programs to obtain the services they need. The Pueblo of Laguna is the first tribe in New Mexico to become a 477 participant.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

The staff provides services to assist individuals with skills

and support to become self sufficient.

Individuals without a high school diploma are provided support and assistance in earning their Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED).  Individuals who are unemployed receive career counseling, guidance, and support in the job search process.

Individuals who require additional training may receive financial assistance for vocational training.  Those without vocational training may gain work experience to support efforts in securing employment.

Youth (14-24 yrs.) may gain work experience through Summer Youth Employment.

High school students may receive assistance for the following:

• ACT testing

• Dual credit fees
• Lab fees

Higher Education

The Pueblo of Laguna through the Laguna Department of Education supports the pursuit of higher education for its tribal members.  Acceptance of scholarship funds implies a focused commitment to college studies and achieving the goal of earning a college degree.

Partners For Success awards scholarships to eligible Laguna students who are pursuing a first time Bachelor’s degree on a full-time basis.  The cost of a college education continues to escalate at a pace that exceeds current resources.  Thus, the scholarship awards supplement federal contributions.  It is unlikely the awards will be sufficient to pay the total college costs.