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ETA News Release: [06/29/2007]
Contact Name: Matthew Faraci or Jennifer Coxe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 07-0840-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $3.8 million grant to Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of more than $3.8 million over three years to the Oklahoma-based Muscogee (Creek) Nation for technology-driven regional education and economic development activities.

“This $3.8 million grant to the Muscogee Nation will allow geographically isolated students, workers and businesses to interact verbally and visually with teachers, employers and customers worldwide via real-time virtual connections to access educational and training opportunities to foster entrepreneurial success,” said Secretary Chao.

The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma has partnered with the nonprofit Global Trade and Technology Corp. (GT2) to improve education and career opportunities within its 11-county region. GT2 is providing the Muscogee Nation with its “e-Innovate” model, which combines economic development, worker training and other high-technology capabilities for use by small- and mid-size enterprises. The effort will allow geographically isolated students, workers and businesses to interact verbally and visually with teachers, employers and customers worldwide via real-time virtual connections.

“The programs and infrastructure funded through this grant will connect workers with educational and training opportunities that once were literally out of reach,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “Communications technology will link tribal businesses and workers to global markets and will help create new opportunities within and outside of the Muscogee Nation.”

For more information on Department of Labor grants and programs, please visit www.dol.gov.