Tribal Education Division Services

Graduates The Education Division is comprised of programs that deliver educational services to all Tribal members ages six weeks through Senior Citizens. The programs are delivered to all five reservations and throughout the nation. The administrative offices are located in Hollywood with local education program personnel on the reservations to coordinate the education services.

Education Advisory Board

This board is made up of 12 Tribal member parents - two from each reservation PAC Committee (Hollywood, Big Cypress, Brighton, Tampa and Immokalee). This Board meets bi-monthly during the academic school year. Meetings rotate among the reservations throughout the school year.

Parent Advisory Committees

Each of the reservations (Hollywood, Big Cypress, Brighton, Tampa and Immokalee) has Parent Advisory Committees made up of parents from the reservation. The Committees meet monthly on each reservation to advise on educational matters. The Committee also sends delegates to the Education Advisory Board meetings.

Some Interesting Statistics

  • Over 90% of Tribal members are active participants in the programs administered by the Seminole Tribe's Education Department.
  • Betty Mae Jumper was the first Seminole high school graduate when she completed the curriculum of the Cherokee Indian Boarding School in 1949.
  • Over 450 Tribal member students have graduated from high school since 1945.

Programs within the Education Division

Cultural Program - at the reservations, conducted in the mornings at Pre-schools, after school for all students, at Okeechobee public schools, classes for adults upon request.

Florida Governor's Council on Indian Affairs (FGCIA) Summer Youth Program - 2-week program at FSU to provide career exploration and a college experience for ages 14-17. Includes a leadership component for previous participants.

Higher Education Program - sponsors accredited college degrees.

Incentive Awards Program - provides positive recognition for grades and attendance for elementary, secondary students, and Higher Education.

Library System - at five reservations, offers Library services of all media including print, audio and visual, games and computer services, referral services for other libraries.

Tutoring Program - after-school homework assistance for all students.

Reservation Education Advisors:

Hollywood:
D.S.O. Building
(954) 989-6840

Big Cypress: Patrick McElroy
Learning Resource Center
(863) 902-3200

Brighton: Emma Brown (also Ft. Pierce)
Education Building
(863) 763-3572

Immokalee: Norita Yzaguirre
(239) 867-5303

Tampa: Stephanie Johns
6401 Harney Road Suite E, Tampa FL 33610
(813) 246-3100 x19304

Higher Education Advisor
Linda Iley
(954) 989-6840 x1311

Director - Louise Gopher

Asst. Director - Cindy Hughes