The tiger opportunity center opens!

Madelyn Coneley

Co-Editor-in-Chief

This 2022-23 school year is filled with many new additions to Arcata High. One of these new additions to the school is the Tiger Opportunity Center, or the T.O.C., that is located one door down from the library.

The TOC contains the Indian Education Center, TRiO, the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP), Arcata High’s work experience class, and members of the Yurok Tribe who provide tutoring services for students.

Arcata High’s Career and College coordinator, Darcy Robins, was the creator of the TOC.

“I’d really like to spread the word about TRiO and the resources for Native American students. Not so much the existence of the Tiger Opportunity Center but of all the organizations that students have access to,” Robins said.

Vanessa Cota, a college advisor and TRiO employee, is just one of the members a part of the TOC. TRIO supports students who are low income or first generation college students.

“I basically meet with students and do workshops, field trips, and I answer any questions about academics, study skills, life skills, financial aid, college and career prep,” Cota said.

Other organizations present in the TOC are Cal-SOAP and the work experience class. Valentin Velazco, a success coach for CalSOAP, helps students with their opportunities after high school and financial aid.

Katie Woerner, an instructor from the College of the Redwoods is the teacher for Work Experience this year. This class is where students receive credit for the hours they work.

“I’ve enjoyed being in the T.O.C. and learning about different help- ing professions and being able to bounce ideas off of people,” Woerner said.

Now in the TOC, Indian Ed. can advise the Native American Club meetings and assist Native students with whatever they need.

According to an Indian Ed. staff member, Sheila Richards, “Indian Ed. assists in removing barriers that Native kids will have in the school system.

We make sure they have everything they need to succeed here in school and beyond.”

Indian Ed. and Yurok Tribe members in the same space have increased the support for Native American students.

However, with the combination of many other organizations in the same place, scheduling conflicts can occur.

“I do miss the privacy,” Richards said.

So far, the T.O.C. proves to be beneficial for students and even staff members who consistently have a place to work. Students are encouraged to visit the T.O.C. if they have any questions or concerns regarding their future or current academics.