Department of Education and Career Services

The Department of Education and Career Services administers programs to assist tribal members with higher education, credential attainment, on-the-job trainings, employment skills and adult education. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions about our programs or to set up an appointment to see how we can help you reach your educational and career goals.  

EAP:

Employment Assistance Program (EAP) – assists citizens of the Penobscot Nation who have job skills, to obtain and retain permanent full-time employment. Financial assistance may be provided for transportation, work clothing, tools, subsistence, childcare, and other reasonable expenses related to accepting new employment. Financial assistance is also available for small business start-up. Applicants must reside on or near the Penobscot Nation and program is limited to three services.  

Click here for an application for the EAP prgram for direct employment

Click here for an application for the EAP program for self employment (small-business)

Higher Education Grant Program:  

Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) – provides scholarship assistance to citizens of the Penobscot Nation who are earning their bachelor’s degree through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books/supplies. 

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Adult Vocational Training Program (AVT) 

Adult Vocational Training Program (AVT) – provides scholarship assistance to citizens of the Penobscot Nation who are seeking to earn their associate degree, diploma or certification through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for vocational training expenses including tuition, fees, books, supplies, tools, and uniforms.  

Native Employment Works Program (NEW) 

Native Employment Works Program (NEW) – Provides job training education funds for citizens of the Penobscot Nation who have dependents and who are receiving some form of public assistance. Supportive services may be available to help pay for educational expenses, transportation costs and childcare. Participants must reside on or near Penobscot Nation and document low income status.  

Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) 

Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) – helps clients facing barriers to employment by providing job training and other services that may result in increased employment and earnings and increases educational and occupational skills. Supportive services may include providing an hourly training wage to those participating in the Work Experience component of the program. Tuition, fees, books and other educational expenses may be available to those enrolled in the Classroom Training component. Applicants must reside in state and meet eligibility requirements. 

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Penobscot Fellowship Program 

Penobscot Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to citizens of the Penobscot Nation who are earning their master’s degree, CAS (certificate of advanced study), Doctorate or Ph.D. through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for books/supplies.  

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION

2026 WIOA SUMMER YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM

The 2026 Summer Youth Program is no longer accepting applications. Please check back for 2027 programming.