TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Public Schools' long-running Indian Education Program is helping Native American students with free school supplies before the start of classes.
They started their giveaway on Tuesday at the school district's enrollment center. Staff is giving away backpacks full of items based on the student's grade-level.
Any children Pre-K through Seniors can participate in the program.
Deidre Prevett, the manager of the Indian Education Program, said they gave out 400 totebags full of supplies last year, so they ordered 500 this year. It's the first time they're giving aways backpacks as well.
"If they're not already enrolled in our Indian Ed Program, all they need to do is come down with their students' citizenship cards, and we'll get them enrolled," said Prevett.
The federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Education has offered services to Native American families at the school district since 1973. The program is also funded by the Cherokee Nation's JOM program.
Prevett said there are currently more than 2,000 TPS students enrolled in the program, which offers other services year-round.
"We offer after-school tutoring. We also offer selected sites TA's that are there to help kids throughout t he day with tutoring," said Prevett.
The backpack and school supply giveaway will continue on August 7 from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. and August 8 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It'll be located at TPS enrollment center located at 2819 South New Haven Avenue.
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