The SAFE Steps provides training to HCN

The SAFE Steps will provide human skills training to the Ho-Chunk Tribal Nation (HCN) under a federal grant. The grant was awarded from the US Department of Education Department as a Demonstration Grant for Indian Children. The HCN Department of Education has given the program a Ho-Chunk name – Wąąkšik Ho’į Pįį Hirušją Kįį – which translates to “Preparing Oneself for a Good Life.”

The SAFE Steps (TSS) STEPS program, an online learning course based on the acronym S – self-esteem, T – time management, E – emotional intelligence, P – problem solving, S – service to others, provides students specific human skills building lessons while improving overall family communication. TSS also provides college and career readiness training software tools to help students plan their ideal future. 

The first year of the grant has been designated as a planning year with the programming slated to begin in the fall of 2021. The 5-year grant will provide college and career readiness programming for Ho-Chunk students in kindergarten through grade 12, and will include the entire family.

Some of the HCN programs in consideration include expanded college fairs, student/parent communication strategies, cultural events, career exploration, and other preparatory experiences.