Project Create
Career Readiness and Educational Advancement Through Native Youth Empowerment
Project CREATE is a five-year United States Department of Education grant awarded to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Project CREATE (Career Readiness and Educational Advancement Through Native Youth Empowerment) aims to improve educational opportunities and long-term academic and career outcomes for American Indian youth by building culturally responsive, community-rooted pathways that begin in early childhood and extend through high school, postsecondary education, and into high-skill careers. The grant will be providing services beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029.
Contact
Rita Locklear, Program Director
910.522.2215
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Tutoring
Project CREATE will provide culturally relevant tutoring to K – 12th Native students in the areas of Math, Reading, or Science. Project CREATE will provide one-on-one tutoring sessions per grant year. According to grant guidelines, parents may choose ONLY one tutoring session per grant year. Please choose the ONE session that you think would best fit the needs of your child.
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Tutoring (six week sessions)
Administered by the Lumbee Tribe of NC
Academic Resources and Support
Project Create will provide Academic Resources and Support for Native students to help bridge the gap with rising costs associated with academic tests and supplemental materials. The needed academic resources and support will be provided to Native students in the Lumbee Tribal Service Area enrolled in Career and College Promise courses, college courses, or dual enrolled courses. Financial assistance may be provided for the following:
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College Application
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SAT/ACT
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Technology- Hardware/Software
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Tools
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Uniforms
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Other
Administered by The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
School-to-Career Pathways (College and Career Preparation through Partnerships)
Project CREATE, in partnership with local businesses, tribal enterprises, and workforce agencies, will empower Native youth to prepare for high-skill careers through career and college exploration, day and residential camps, and a tutoring program.
Project CREATE will develop partnerships with community businesses to provide internships and job shadowing during the summer to foster career and technical exploration.
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Internships (1 week)
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Apprenticeships (1 week)
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Training Programs (1 week)
Administered by The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
Summer Enrichment Camps
Project CREATE will provide Native students a summer enrichment camp opportunity. Day and Residential camps will be offered that are culturally related or are supported by evidence that suggests this service has a positive effect on relevant education. These camp experiences will help bridge the education gap, reduce summer learning loss, and provide Native students in the LTSA an opportunity for academic, social, and emotional growth.
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Day Camps
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Residential Camps (3 camps)
Administered by The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
College Day
Project CREATE will host a College Day at the Lumbee Tribe. Workshops will include college admission requirements, financial aid deadlines, scholarship opportunities, degree options, etc. You will also engage with American Indian career professionals to help you navigate your personalized experience.
Administered by The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
University or College Tours
Project CREATE will plan and coordinate a two-day university/college tour experience to empower Native youth on their academic pathway. This university/college tour event will be specifically designed to reflect the educational, cultural, and social needs of Native students. Tours will be crafted to reflect a Native presence on campus and provide early exposure to college academia and support opportunities.
Administered by The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Early Childhood Empowerment
School readiness for pre-K-3 grade students will be enhanced annually through culturally grounded programs and family-based learning. Through collaboration with tribal educators and community stakeholders, young Native learners will enter elementary school equipped with the academic and cultural foundation for long-term success.
Project CREATE aims to provide school readiness initiatives for PreK–3rd–grade students through family STEM programming and reading readiness activities.
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PreK-8th grade Family STEM Day (Spring)
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PreK STEM Summer Camp (4-day camp)
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PreK Reading Readiness Night
Administered by The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina