Our Mission

The mission of the Division of Workforce and Youth Development is to enhance the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Trust Services’ ability to carry out the federal Indian trust responsibility by designing and implementing holistic programs and strategies that recruit, retain, and develop Office of Trust Services and Tribal workforces and fill competency and hiring gaps.

Who We Serve

The Division of Workforce and Youth Development (DWYD) provides top-level organization, workforce analysis, and planning support for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Trust Services.

DWYD works closely with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the BIA Office of Human Capital Management (OHCM) to devise and implement strategies to fill competency and hiring gaps. This includes Bureau-wide training programs to develop each individual Trust occupational series.

DWYD conducts organizational analysis to investigate position and organizational challenges, identify competency gaps, and clarify roles and activities carried out at the agency, regional, and central office levels.

DWYD also administers several programs to engage Native youth and young adults, particularly in the realm of public service, internships, apprenticeships, and corps activities. Programs include:

  • BIA Pathways Internship Program, which provides Native college students with paid internship opportunities working for the BIA or Tribal Nations across many different career paths.
  • BIA Recent Graduates Program, which provides employment opportunities to individuals who have graduated from college within the last 2 years.
  • BIA Presidential Management Fellows Program, which provides employment opportunities, leadership development, and specialized training for individuals holding advanced degrees.
  • The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC), which engages Native youth ages 16-30 in service projects on public and Tribal lands to benefit Native communities.
  • The Bison Apprenticeship Program, which aims to increase the number of bison experts in Indian Country to both restore bison populations and help Tribes engage with the bison economy.

Services We Provide

BIA Pathways Internships for Students
BIA Pathways Host Information
Indian Youth Service Corps

About the Division of Workforce and Youth Development

DWYD is part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Central Office, with a headquarters located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

DWYD includes three branches: the Branch of Workforce Development, the Branch of Youth Services, and the Branch of Pathways.