Grantee Feature: Employment

American Indian OIC is a nonprofit providing individualized education and training alongside human services through a variety of programs to support low-income clients as they pursue education and career development. The Constellation Fund supports the Takoda Institute at AIOIC, which provides career-specific education to students at no cost and a strong foundation for lifelong development and career advancement.

Takoda (Dakota for “friend for all”) offers courses and certifications in high-demand fields including construction, health care, IT, logistics, and professional services. With small class sizes, personalized career counseling, and practical credentials, Takoda prepares graduates to build their skillsets, redirect their careers, and secure lasting employment.

In Minnesota, where nearly 1 in 10 households live below the poverty line, access to career training can be transformative. Evidence shows that stable employment in growing industries not only increases lifetime earnings but also reduces exposure to the economic volatility that keeps many families in poverty. Research also shows that higher income is closely linked to better health outcomes—families with steady employment are more likely to access health care, experience lower stress, and avoid preventable chronic conditions. For individuals navigating poverty, training that leads directly to in-demand credentials offers both immediate stability and long-term wellbeing.

Constellation’s evaluation reveals that AIOIC’s TakodaInstitute delivers significant lasting income benefits for participants. Industries experiencing growing demand often require credentials that many low-income Minnesotans can’t afford. While Native American communities and Black and brown communities in the Twin Cities continue to face generational economic and educational disparities, AIOIC values resilience and remains grounded in the belief that education and training are a direct path to financial independence, a brighter wellbeing, and a stronger society.

Median Wage in the Twin Cities by Occupation

Embedded in the Takoda’s career training pathways program is a model that honors Native traditions and fosters community trust. For Constellation, Takoda exemplifies how career training—when designed with cultural resonance and comprehensive support—can be a powerful lever for economic equity.