Native Youth | Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah

Youth Program

A division of the PITU Puow’wan Program

PITU’s Youth Program offers amazing opportunities for kids to build lifelong friendships, learn historical and cultural traditions, participate in important community events, and have a chance to travel to scenic places such as Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park, Washington DC, and more!

The Youth Program also oversees the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) reimbursement program (see information below) and Title VI Indian Education, and program representatives also stay involved with school board meetings—basically, everything related to K-12 education. It’s another way we’re ensuring our youth are supported, empowered, and ready to succeed!

PITU’s kids hold the keys to the brightest future. The Youth Program provides them with many valuable learning and growing experiences and opportunities.

In order to participate in the Youth Program, each child must be registered. Please carefully read all terms and conditions outlined in the registration form below.

For the Youth Program monthly calendar and newsletter, scroll down past the photo.

For questions regarding the Native Youth Program or registration, please contact:

Everson Nakai
Youth Program Coordinator
PHONE: 435-586-1112
EMAIL: enakai@pitu.gov

Elissa Aguayo
Youth Advocate
PHONE: 435-586-1112
EMAIL: eaguayo@pitu.gov

Members of the Native Youth Program performed at the 2024 Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Greenshow in Cedar City. (photo by Karl Hugh)

Youth Program Registration

The Youth program focuses on addiction prevention, cultural activities, nutrition and physical fitness, and supporting youth victims of crime.

We believe the following:

Reading is crucial for students as it expands vocabulary, enhances critical thinking, improves comprehension, and provides access to new knowledge, vital for academic success.
Physical activity is good for children in many ways. Benefits include improved academic performance, brain health, muscular fitness, heart and lung health, cardiometabolic health, long-term health, bone strength, and measures of healthy weight.
When students are “working on self-esteem and mindfulness,” they are actively engaging in practices designed to improve their self-worth and awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and present moment experiences, often through techniques like mindful breathing, positive self-talk, and reflection on personal strengths, helping them manage stress and develop a more positive outlook on themselves

To fully benefit from the program please register and attend often.

To register, click here.

The Youth Program is funded by ITCA, Dept. of Justice OVC, IHS, BIA, Utah DHHS, and the Tribe. If you have any questions, please contact Everson Nakai, Youth Program Coordinator (435) 586-1112 ext. 3314, or Elissa Aguayo, Youth Advocate ext. 3316.

PITU Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Program

What is the Johnson O’Malley Program?

The Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Act was passed by Congress in 1934 to help address the unique cultural needs of American Indian students attending school. Today, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah’s JOM Program provides reimbursement assistance to eligible tribal students for items that are required for students to participate in school such as: school related materials, fees, etc.

For a full list of eligible items, click here.

PITU JOM Program Details

1) The PITU JOM Program opens in August. Expenses must be incurred during the application period (August 1, 2026 – May 5, 2027). Funds are limited to a first come first serve basis.

2) All students must meet the General Eligibility Requirements to participate in this program.

3) The PITU JOM Program is a reimbursement program.

4) Participants must complete the online PITU JOM Program Application * (see below)

5) All program applications must include receipts. Hand filled receipts or copies of bank statements will not be accepted.

6) All reimbursement requests must be approved before any payment will be processed.

7) PITU JOM Program reimburses eligible expenses up to $150.00 per eligible student.

8) Expenses must be incurred during the application period (August 1, 2026 – May 5, 2027).

General Eligibility Requirements

1) Students must be at least 3 years of age before August 31st of each school year or in the 12th grade.

2) Must be enrolled in a school that is within the four county area (Washington, Iron, Millard, & Sevier Counties).

3) Must be an enrolled member of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, a descendant of an enrolled PITU tribal member with at least 1/4 native blood, or a PRC-eligible student.

4) Must live within the PITU service area.

*One student per application. A separate application is required for each additional student.

To complete an application for reimbursement, click here.