Mescalero Youth Development Program

to be healthy and knowledgeable contributing representatives of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Purpose: Is to engage tribal youth in meaningful (educational, employment, and experience) opportunities to build character and skill, while strengthening the physical and mental abilities of the individual encompassing mindful influence of their Native American traditions and environmental impact mindset,

therefore, demonstrating positive change within themselves and stewardship among the Apache Nation. Objectives:
The Youth Development will:
**Promote and support youth (5-25 yrs.) to partake in practical engaging activities (Apache tradition, conventional academia, etc.) through educational learning opportunities and acquiring employment skills with active participation, therefore fostering lifelong knowledge from the experiences (experiential learning).
**Mentor and encourage youth (10-25 yrs.) for potential careers via education or entry-level employment prospects in natural resources, environmental, biological sciences, and/or historical preservation services that will manifest their dynamic contribution to their community.
**Develop employees (16-25 yrs.) for employment readiness through obtaining occupational skills, career exploration, and hands-on experiences (work ethics, partnerships, training) needed for employment within the Natural Resources or comparable field in federal, state, tribal, and neighboring communities.