Bureau of Indian Education
Sheri O. Yazzie is an experienced educator and leader in the field of vision care, currently serving as an Instructor for the Bureau of Indian Education since 2008, focusing on training future opticians and ophthalmic technicians through the Vision Care Technology Program. Additionally, Sheri has acted as the Internship Coordinator at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute since January 2007, fostering community outreach and management skills among students in the New Optical Image Club. As a Board Member and Public Relations Representative for the Optician Association of New Mexico since 2000, Sheri supports professional development and networking in the ophthalmic industry. Sheri also held the position of Secretary for the National Federation of Opticianry Schools from February 2014 to January 2016, contributing to leadership transitions within the organization. Previously, Sheri served in the United States Air Force as a Subject Matter Expert for the Optometry Specialty Career Field from 1995 to 2015, aiding in the development of training programs for optometry technicians. Additionally, Sheri mentored at YDDC from 2009 to 2011.
Bureau of Indian Education
The Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico,is a National Indian Community College and Land Grant Institution thatprovides high quality technical and higher education opportunities toAmerican Indians and Native Alaskan Students. Its goal is to producestudents ready to enter the local technological workforce and tocontribute to society at large.Admissions require students to meet one of two tribal affiliationcriteria: verification of United States federal tribal membership from aBureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agency or must be at least one-quarterpercent or more blood related to a federally recognized tribe as verifiedby a BIA or tribal census office.Academics offered include associate’s degrees in a wide variety ofdisciplines, including: * Culinary Arts * Electronics Technologies * Geospatial Information Technologies * Office Information Applications * Vision Care TechnologyProfessional certifications are also available in: * Business Administration and Management * Teacher Education and Professional Development * Cartography * Environmental Control Technologies * System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management * And moreThe institute offers distance education in selected programs via onlineor through two-way video conferencing. Special student services includetutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.On-campus housing is available, but not required for incoming students.The college also provides the SIPI Recreational Gym for use to allstudents.Pell grants and work-study, as well as the Federal SupplementalEducational Opportunity Grant, New Mexico College Affordability Grant,and New Mexico State Student Incentive Grant, are financial aid optionsavailable to eligible students.