The orientation began with a financial literacy presentation, conducted by Vince Logan (Osage). He is a managing partner of the Nations Group in New York City, NY. This group assists Indian tribes, across the country, with financial investment and asset management. Logan discussed basic financial terms such as: payroll tax deductions, credit rates, budgeting and saving for future needs. His expertise in debt financing and asset management proved invaluable to the financial discussion.

Communication skills are very important in the workplace, as every employee discovers. Laurie Gassaway presented a workshop, “Understanding me, Understanding you”, that discussed some of the different communication styles that can be found in society. For example, they learned the differences between an introvert and extrovert’s form of communication and ways to be compatible with either personality type.

Representatives from Oklahoma State University, Robin Williams and Jason Johnson, discussed the expenses of a college education and the degree programs offered at OSU. Their department, the Inclusion Center for Academic Excellence at OSU, sponsored the lunch on the first day of the orientation. This gesture was greatly appreciated by the summer youth staff and education department.

The four day orientation included a customized program, “Power Up”, that provided job etiquette training or, “Power Skills for Career and Social Success” (Power Up brochure, 2010). Power Up is a program offered by Jana Christian, founder and CEO of The Etiquette School of Oklahoma, and Ginger Reimer, founder and director of Power Up. The job etiquette training included many valuable lessons such as: job interview techniques, first impression and professional panel discussion, mix & mingle with business leaders, four course fine dining event, student handbook and a certificate of completion. Rural youth should be prepared for the workforce and this training offered them knowledge to be comfortable anywhere their job may take them,

In today’s difficult economic climate, it is essential to have the right tools to conduct one’s self with class and confidence. Employers look for the human qualities that make the difference: courtesy, image, trust and character. The research leaves us with only one conclusion: people skills are essential (Research statistics received from Harvard University, The Carnegie Foundation and the Stanford Research Institute).