Gila River Indian Community’s Career Pathways Program Earns National Recognition

September 12, 2025

Victoria Baker/Intern

The Gila River Indian Community’s Career Pathways program has been named a semifinalist for the Harvard Honoring Nations Awards, a distinction that celebrates outstanding tribal governance across Indian Country.

The program was created to align workforce development with the needs of both the community and local employers. Since its launch, Career Pathways has become a permanent fixture in how the community engages with the labor market.

“We started with five sectors: construction, medical, fire apprenticeships, small business and hospitality,” Lana Chanda. Director, Employment & Training Department said. “Now, we’re expanding into sub-sectors like housekeeping and front-of-house services, and developing youth programs such as SCRUBS and First Responders, with pathways for police, EMT and firefighter roles.”

Employers selected training topics using a national job skills model. The Workforce team managed logistics, provided support and paid wages for work experience.

The program’s origin dates back to when the Gila River Indian Community and the Tucson Indian Center were selected by the Division of Indian and Native American Programs at the U.S. Department of Labor to participate in a Career Pathways Technical Assistance Initiative—an opportunity typically reserved for non-Native grantees.

“DINAP made sure Native communities were included,” Chanda said. “We joined a training in Washington with nine other state programs. It was amazing. We saw how it could address skill gaps and bring workforce, education and employers together as a team.”

Although both the state and the program applied for a $3 million grant, the Gila River Indian Community was awarded the funding, marking a major milestone.

Career Pathways was designed to address gaps in education, certification and awareness of community resources. It also fostered collaboration among groups that had previously worked in isolation.

“We realized we were doing the same work separately,” said Chanda. “Career Pathways helped us see that we’re one community—and we need to reach out.”

The program’s employer-first model sets it apart. Instead of beginning with job seekers, it starts by identifying employer needs in fields such as hospitality, construction, medical and fire apprenticeships, then builds training programs around those needs.

“Employers got involved,” said Lana. “They didn’t just hire—they trained and mentored future workers.”

Being named a semifinalist by Harvard’s Honoring Nations program was a moment of pride.

“I was surprised they’d heard of us. It was an honor to share our story,” Lana said. “It reminded me how amazing Career Pathways is—and why it must stay rooted in our community.”

The program continues to grow, with expanded training in hospitality and youth initiatives like SCRUBS and First Responders.

“My vision is for Career Pathways to become an integral part of how we work with employers. We’re building a binder of career models that clients can explore,” Chanda added. Career Pathways has trained other Native tribes and shared its approach at national conferences. The Harvard recognition could help amplify its reach.

“We’ve always been willing to share,” Chanda said. “This model helps Native communities connect with employers in a way that’s truly ours.”

As the Gila River Indian Community continues to innovate, Career Pathways stands as a model for community-driven workforce development—built on culture, collaboration and lasting impact.