Coeur d’Alene Tribal Institute

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe Department of Education began operating an educational outreach site (CDA Tribal Institute) to host classes from North Idaho College in the Summer of 2008. The Tribal Institute is working in cooperation with surrounding colleges to offer pre-college and college-level classes in Plummer, Idaho. As an outreach center we have the capability of offering classes either live, internet video conference (IVC), or internet from our Plummer classrooms. Currently, classes have been offered through North Idaho College and University of Idaho. We are hopeful to add other colleges and university offerings in the future.

Eligibility Requirements

All classes are open to the general public. If you enroll in a pre-college class, you do not have to be registered at the college or university; whereas if you want to earn college credit you must apply and register at the college.

Application Procedures

The first step is to apply with the college (NIC or U of I) or the Tribal Department of Education. If you wish to take classes for college credit you must apply to the college and pay your registration fee (at NIC that cost is $25) then register for classes at the college. If you wish to take pre-college classes, there is no charge; you apply at the Tribal Department of Education Office before the beginning of each session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do the classes cost?
Pre-college classes are provided without charge. There is no cost for materials for Coeur d’Alene Tribal members. Students who are not enrolled members of the Tribe may purchase books through Mica Peak Exchange Bookstore at NIC.
College level class costs are determined by the college, school year 2009-2010 a 3 credit class is $390 at North Idaho College. All eligible Coeur d’Alene Tribal members can apply with the CDA Tribal Institute to request assistance with tuition, books and fees at no cost to the individual.
The general population must fund themselves via grants, scholarships or private funding.

Will the classes count towards a degree?
All the classes offered in Plummer are targeted toward the completion of an AA (Associate of Arts Degree) or and AAS (Associate of Science Degree). However all pre-college classes will not count toward your degree.

How do I know what is being offered and when?
Typically classes begin in late August for Fall and January for Spring each year. The deadlines to register for credited classes are set by the college and we use those dates for our pre-college and college level classes as well. We will begin posting our Fall schedules in July and August and our Spring schedules in November and December.

How much time will I be in class?
The typical requirement is 1 hour per week per credit. For example a 3 credit class would meet twice a week for 1.5 hours each day. We host most of our classes twice a week 1 to 2 hours each day depending on the number of credits per class.

Where and when do classes meet?
Most classes meet at the Department of Education, 850 A Street. However, other classrooms in Plummer are used occasionally. If you need directions and times as to when and where your class meets, contact the HED Academic Manager at 208 686-5114, or the Department of Education Office Manager at 208 686-7322.

Norma J. Peone, HED Academic Manager
CDA Tribal Institute
P.O. Box 408
850 A Street
Plummer, ID 83851

Office: 208 686-5114
Email: njpeone@cdatribe-nsn.gov