Native Youth Educational ATTAINMENT PROGRAM
The Native Youth Education & Achievement (NYEA) Program is a brand-new initiative from Butte Native Wellness Center (BNWC) designed to support and celebrate Native American students in grades K–12 in Butte-Silver Bow.
From February to June 2025, NYEA will encourage academic success through attendance incentives, leadership opportunities, and community connection. Students can win prizes for showing up to school, build leadership skills on our Youth Committee, and be honored at a special banquet — with graduating seniors eligible to receive an eagle feather for their regalia.
NYEA is all about lifting up Native youth, recognizing their hard work, and helping them grow into strong, successful leaders.
Attendance incentives
Show up, and win big! Consistent school attendance is a key to success — and we want to celebrate that with you! Students who keep showing up and staying engaged will have the chance to earn awesome prizes throughout the program. Whether it’s gift cards, cool swag, or fun surprises, we’ll reward your dedication!
Leadership Opportunities
Ready to make a difference? Join Butte Native Wellness Center’s Youth Committee and help shape our programs, support your peers, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime. You’ll have the chance to speak up, plan activities, and be part of a team that makes things happen in your community! PLUS — students who participate for the full 6 months will receive an official letter of recommendation from BNWC to support future school, scholarship, and job applications.
Celebration Banquet
We end the program with a bang! In May 2025, all NYEA participants and graduating seniors will be honored at a special banquet filled with food, fun, and celebration. We’ll recognize your hard work and achievements — and celebrate YOU with your family and community by your side. Graduating seniors who are tribally enrolled will also be eligible to receive an eagle feather to wear with their graduation regalia — a powerful symbol of honor, strength, and accomplishment.
For more information or to register your child for the NYEA Program, please contact our Youth Program Specialist, Rylee Mitchell, at rmitchell@buttenwc.org.
As part of the NYEA Celebration Banquet in May 2025, Butte Native Wellness Center will honor tribally enrolled graduating seniors with an eagle feather to wear with their graduation regalia. In many Native cultures, receiving an eagle feather is one of the highest honors — symbolizing strength, achievement, and the support of the community.
The event will take place on May 1st, 2025 at 5-7pm, at the Montana Tech Copper Lounge, in the Student Union Building.
To be eligible, seniors must:
- Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe (proof of enrollment required).
- Attend the banquet ceremony.
Our team will also offer guidance on how to care for and respectfully wear your feather, along with opportunities to bead or personalize your graduation cap and gown in a culturally meaningful way.
Register to Participate:
Email Rylee Mitchell at rmitchell@buttenwc.org by Tuesday, April 17th with:
- Full Name
- Tribal Affiliation
- Expected Graduation Date
- Phone Number
- Number of guests
For more information please contact our Youth Program Specialist, Rylee Mitchell, at rmitchell@buttenwc.org.
