Takoda Institute

About our School

Takoda Institute is an accredited post-secondary school that offers education for graduates to obtain a career pathway for life. Takoda Institute maintains a strong connection to its Native roots by incorporating Indigenous culture, values, and teaching practices into its daily routine.

Trainings and Workshops at Takoda Institute are open to all and are cost-free.

A short term program is right for you if…

  • You’re curious about a new career, but not ready to commit to a 6 or 9 month program
  • You need rapid skills training that will lead to an entry level job
  • You’re currently working in your field of choice, but want to upgrade your skill set to gain a promotion and/or raise

 

A long term program is right for you if…

  • You’re ready for a career that offers a lifetime of advancement opportunity
  • You want the opportunity to increase your income*
  • You need accredited training without taking on debt

 

Compared to other schools, the enrollment process is relatively simple and can be completed in as little as 3 hours.

  • First, you will meet with the registrar to complete paperwork and submit required documents.
  • Next, you will meet with a financial aid representative to determine your eligibility for grants and scholarships.
  • Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to determine your academic readiness.
  • Upon satisfactory completion of the TABE, you’ll attend the Welcome Event where you’ll meet your fellow classmates.
  • Begin classes!

“What should I bring when I come to enroll?”

  • Identification: Driver’s license or passport and social security card, or a permanent resident card
  • Proof of completion of HS or GED
  • Immunization records: If you graduated high school any time before 1997, you’ll need to bring proof of immunization. This can be in the form of:
    • Medical immunization records, or
    • A transcript proving you attended a post-secondary school

“How big are the classes?”

At Takoda Institute, class sizes are relatively small to ensure each student receives enough one-on-one time with instructors. The small class size environment also means you’ll get to know your classmates and can lean on each other for support throughout your program.

“What if I’m not American Indian?”

All are welcome at Takoda Institute. In fact, “Takoda” is Lakota for “all are welcome.” We strive to embody the meaning of Takoda by providing quality education in an inclusive and accepting environment.

“How diverse is the student population?”

Students at Takoda come from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Here is a snapshot of 2017’s student demographic:

  • American Indian or Alaska Native: 49%
  • Black or African American: 34%
  • White: 13%
  • Asian/Pacific Islander: 3%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 2%

“What is student life like?”

Takoda Institute is a full time school. With its small class sizes and familial environment, your college experience will be like no other. From beginning to end, each student is a part of a cohort. Your cohort will take the same classes and walk across the graduation stage together. You’ll also take classes with students from other programs, thus building your social network and helping to create connections that can help in future opportunities. This model has proven to be effective in student success and retention, as well as developing lifelong friends.