Ask yourself this question. Why do I not see any Indians working in the State and County offices? No Indian
doctors or nurses; no Indian state highway troopers; no Indians in key leadership positions in the school system. The
answer is; there are non that are qualified to fill these positions due to the lack of EDUCATION. Think just how
much you could do to help your people if you were in a position to oversee how they were treated by the agencies that are
suppose to help them. The door to the future is open to all that have the ambition and motivation to walk through it.
Chief Caulder was a 4th Grade drop-out. But he went back to school and if he can do it so can you.
And he wants you to have your second chance also. All of our assistance comes from funds that this Tribe does not control.
He promises you that if you want to get your GED or need help with a special tutor for your below average grades he will find
one for you.
Education is the answer for the Indian People that live in our tribal geographical area. Without an education to meet
the new demands of today's technology that is out there in the job market, one will be lost.
The Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South Carolina is in partnership with a number of agencies that can help anyone that
has the desire to improve their education and job skills. The South Carolina Indian Development Council (SCIDC) and the Work
Force Investment Act (WIA) will help you finish your high school, get a GED, help you go to a technical College and there
is also on the job training (OJT) for those who qualify for placement in an OJT slot. There is a special program for the age
14 to 21. Many advantages are available under this program.
For those that want to improve their skills on the computer, there is a once a week class 7.30 to 9.00 pm every Wednesday
at the Hickory Grove UMC. Eligibility for computer class is that you must have a high school Diploma, a GED or be enrolled
in the GED program at Hickory Grove UMC or else where, in an Adult Education GED Course.
IF you are employed and want to train for another field of employment then there is help for you to do so.
For those out there that feel that you are too old or can't learn, then give your self another chance and see what you
can do.
I know it will take a long time into the future before the Pee Dee Indians in this area will have Doctors, Lawyers, Judges,
Politicians and maybe even the Governor of South Carolina, but the journey to there starts with you.
Please let me say there is no special money available for Indians to go to school on. All assistance comes from funds
that this tribe does not control.
LOCAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
The Hickory Grove UMC is sponsoring a GED course Monday & Tuesday 5:30 to 7:30 pm, there is an open enrollment,
come enroll and get your GED. There is also a Computer Class every Tuesday 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Every Wednesday evening 7:00 to
8:00 pm the Pee Dee Indian Tribe of SC & Hickory Grove UMC conduct special tutoring classes for all grades to help the
students that are not up their grade level for any and all subjects.
Parents you are not left out, If you want to improve your reading or maybe sit in on a subject, then see one
of the program leaders at the Church or contact the Pee Dee Indian Tribe of SC and we will help you.
The Pee Dee Indian Tribe of SC will continue to seek out available educational and employment opportunities
for the Indian People.
" Indian Education Title VII Program"
The Education Program was canceled for the 2009-10 school year due to the unavailability of students to attend
the required classes, which were to be held at the Hickory Grove UMC located at 1620 Ottis Parrish Road, Clio, SC. The program
can be revied for school year 2011-12 if Parents will contact Chief Caulder before May 1st, 2010 and complete a 506
form. We have lost one year of support because the application was not submitted for school year 2009-10.
A survey of Indian students in the Marlboro County school system reveal 201 Indian students. This was for
school year 2008-09. There are twice that many Indian kids in the system, which could mean thousands of Federal Dollars to
support the educational needs of our students. Parents your Kids deserve all the help they can get. Education is the means
to get out of the normal rut of life and make something of yourself. Please think about your kids and grandkids, they need
this program.
Two Year College Degree
Do you want to attend a Community College and get a Degree in a field, such as an LPN, Welder, Automotive
Technician, Law Enforcement, or any other field that is available at the College you wish to attend.
The Tribe can help you do this through the South Carolina Indian Development Council. This program will
pay for your Books and Tutition fee for up to two years and may even pay for further education. You must be a member of an
Indian Tribe with a roll number and be referred by the tribal education Officer. you do not have belong to the Pee Dee Indian
Tribe of South Carolina to be Eligible, but you must be referred by this tribe. You must have a High School Diploma
or a GED. I have been told by the Director of this program to submit anyone that dropped out of school from the 9th grade
up even if the have no GED's. Folks I don't think you can get a better deal than this.
Have you been to the One Stop Office
If you are unemployed or want to get help with getting your GED, then go visit the Office on Highway #9,
just pass the DMV office. This is a fantastic place to visit, they have every thing possible to help you with training for
a job, getting you a job, No appointment is needed, just walk in and "Say I want some help" If you get the run around, the
please bring the tribal Chief a name and statement about your complaint with the One Stop Office. The Chief will find out
what the problem was and report back to you. They are there to help you, but until you walk through the doors they will not
be able to help you.
