Cherokee Nation First Lady launches career program for youth

The new Public Service Career Explorers program aims to help students discover their potential within the tribe's workforce.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Cherokee Nation First Lady January Hoskin has launched a new program called Public Service Career Explorers to help students in the tribe discover their potential within the Cherokee Nation's workforce and build their future careers.

Why it matters

The program is part of the Cherokee Nation's efforts to invest in and develop its future workforce from within the tribal community, providing opportunities for young people to explore different public service roles and pathways.

The details

The Public Service Career Explorers program will give students hands-on experience and exposure to various public service careers within the Cherokee Nation, including law enforcement, fire and emergency services, healthcare, education, and more. The goal is to inspire students to consider how they can contribute to the tribe's future through public service roles.

  • The program was launched in March 2026.

The players

January Hoskin

The First Lady of the Cherokee Nation, who initiated the new Public Service Career Explorers program.

Cherokee Nation

The federally recognized Native American tribe that is headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and has launched the new career exploration program for its youth.

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What they’re saying

“We want our young people to see the incredible opportunities available to them within the Cherokee Nation and be inspired to serve their community.”

— January Hoskin, Cherokee Nation First Lady

What’s next

The Public Service Career Explorers program will continue to offer hands-on experiences and mentorship to Cherokee Nation students throughout the year, with the goal of encouraging more young people to pursue public service careers that support the tribe's future.

The takeaway

By investing in career exploration and development programs for its youth, the Cherokee Nation is taking proactive steps to build a strong, homegrown workforce that can serve the needs of the tribal community for generations to come.