Piya Wiconi
P.O. Box 490
Kyle, SD 57752

Oglala Lakota College began in 1971, with the intention of giving students an education so they could find employment opportunities on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Since its inception, this South Dakota college has given graduates the opportunity to find careers in anything from nursing to educational positions on the reservation.

Oglala Lakota College was the first tribally controlled colleges in America. This means that it is sanctioned and governed by an Indian tribe. Its governing body is made up of tribe members.

In 1971, Oglala Sioux Tribal Council chartered the Lakota Higher Education Center. When it was non-accredited, the college made agreements with various South Dakota colleges to "borrow" their accreditation for various associated degree programs. In 1978, after the college had awarded its first Associate Degrees, the name changed to Oglala Sioux community college. A few years later, Oglala Lakota College received accreditation from the North Central Association.

The student population is approximately 1,400. There are many programs for students of Oglala Lakota College to study, from art to agriculture and natural resources. The college promotes the Lakota history and culture, in addition to the general area of Indian studies. Each student is required to complete several courses from the Lakota studies curriculum, such as learning the language and the history of the Lakota people. This is known as "Wolakolkiciyapi," or learning the Lakota way of life in the community. Students are expected to graduate with a better understanding of their community and greater knowledge of the Lakota people.

All students of Oglala Lakota College involved in Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master degree programs will participate in assessment activities before graduation. This focuses on general subjects, in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, and Lakota cultural awareness. In addition, individual academic departments will evaluate how well students understood the material.

Quick Facts:

Community Education from Oglala Lakota College promotes programs in the form of workshops and seminars, in addition to having college professors visit elementary schools.

The Institutional Assessment and Research Office was created to help support the institution's budgeting and planning efforts.

Oglala Lakota College is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.