A student experience that is available to tribal youth each summer is making an in-person return. The Florida Indian Youth Program (FIYP) is scheduled from July 10 to July 22 at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Due to the pandemic, the last time FIYP took place at its home at FSU was 2019.

FIYP is a free, two-week, college preparation and exploration program available to members and descendants of the Seminole Tribe who live in Florida or Georgia and are from 14 to 19 years old. Organizers describe it as a career focused academic enrichment program that will expose students to a range of educational and employment opportunities.

Several tribal members and Education department staff attended in 2019. Participants typically live in a residence hall on campus or nearby and classes and activities usually take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Some students take college site tours and explore academic programs they are interested in exploring.

In the past, the evening hours and weekends are reserved for parties, trips to the mall and other activities, like bowling. An awards banquet is usually scheduled on the last night to recognize all the attendees.

“The program is designed to engage students and will be both intensive and challenging in order to awaken and cultivate each student’s full potential toward becoming future leaders in their communities,” a program description reads.

The Tallahassee-based Florida Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs Inc. is the nonprofit that sponsors the program.

Those interested in applying can visit fgcia.org, click the “Youth Program” tab, and then “Florida Indian Youth Program.” Questions can be directed to (800) 322-9186 or info@fgcia.org.

The deadline to apply is June 10.