PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS (PFS) is a division of the Laguna Department of Education, established to improve educational services to the community.

We can assist you with: Employment & Training, College/Vocational Tuition Assistance, Job Search Assistance, School Supplies, and more!

The Laguna Department of Education (LDOE) established Partners for Success through the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act, Public Law 102-477. Five programs were consolidated to form PFS: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Johnson O'Malley (JOM), Adult Education, Employment Assistance, and Higher Education.

By applying PL 102-477, PFS increases the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs. The law gives tribes the opportunity to consolidate their federally funded programs into one fully integrated program to allow for greater flexibility in the delivery of services. One advantage of this consolidation is that tribal members no longer have to apply to separate programs to obtain the services they need. The Pueblo of Laguna is the first tribe in New Mexico to become a 477 participant.

To utilize the PFS program, you MUST live in the PFS Service area: Laguna, Acoma, Grants, Albuquerque.

What is the Employment and Training Education Program?

Purpose of Program:

The Employment and Training component of Partners for Success offers assistance to participants seeking non-transferable associate degrees, certificates, or licensure.
The overall expectation for each participant is that they will learn skills that will enable them to gain long-term employment.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be at least one-quarter Laguna Indian Blood and live on or near the Laguna reservation OR be Native American and living on the Laguna reservation.
All education and training must take place within the state of New Mexico.
A participant who is employed may participate in this program if he/she attends training part-time and follows the requirements set forth in the Individual Plan for Success. Part-time students must complete 18 credit hours per year.

Getting Started 1. 2. 3:

Complete the Partners for Success intake application. Submit all documents required by Employment and Training Services.
Apply for FAFSA funding. The FAFSA information is used to generate a NEEDS ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATION (NAR). The NAR must be received before any financial assistance from Partners for Success can be awarded.
Schedule an initial appointment with PFS. During the initial appointment the prospective student and PFS staff will-begin the process of establishing clear and concise educational objectives. PFS staff will also walk each student through the application process. A task sheet will be provided to assist students with the application process.

Individual Plan for Success:

Upon completion of the tasks assigned, educational objectives will be set forth. An Individual Plan for Success (IPS) will be developed. The IPS outlines the responsibilities of the participant and PFS. Some examples of participant responsibilities may include: financial commitments, providing transportation, tutoring, and attending PFS workshops. All terms regarding the participant's financial assistance (disbursal dates, monthly progress report, etc.) will be documented in the Individual Plan for, Success under the "Program Commitments" section.

Semester-to-Semester Funding:

Financial Assistance provided by Partners for Success will be awarded semester-to-semester. Continued assistance will be contingent upon progress made towards accomplishing the objectives set forth in the IPS.

About Partners For Success