Diversity,Equity,Inclusion_1st_Edition

Programs: Helping Standing Rock Youth Succeed

Photo credit: Sue Isbell

Sue Isbell delivers 4-H and youth development programming in Sioux County, North Dakota, which serves members of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The people of the Standing Rock are affected by severe poverty, high levels of diabetes and obesity, and low graduation rates. Only 10 percent of ninth grade students graduate in one district, with 80 percent dropping out before the end of their senior year. Isbell’s work to establish an embroidery and silkscreen business at a local high school has built business skills among students, and improved the economy of the county. Her work to establish community gardens has improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables in hopes of reducing rates of food-related diseases. Sue Isbell’s work has brought greater awareness of Native American issues to her colleagues in the North Dakota State University Extension Service, as well as real-world examples of how to design and implement successful Extension programs for tribal audiences. Her programs for tribal audiences build trust with tribal members as well as knowledge of tribal history and culture. URL: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/siouxcountyextension

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