According to Native legend, a wyakin is a spiritual being that guides and protects a person throughout life.  As a rite of passage, adolescents were taken to an isolated location where they remained alone and vulnerable until visited by a wyakin (often in the form of an animal or bird) in a vision or dream.  Once the wyakin spirit had revealed itself, it stayed with the individual and served as a guiding force for life.

The Wyakin program offers veterans a chance to earn an educational grant based on their level of engagement with the program.  This is not a “paycheck” or a scholarship, but rather a supplement to income that provides a more stable, predictable financial situation, allowing the Warrior to focus on success in the academic setting.

The Classic Wyakin program application process is open to post-9/11 veterans who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a certificate- or degree-earning academic program, with priority given to those with a VA Disability Rating. The Wyakin Works program application process is open to all veterans regardless of VA Disability Rating, seeking certification and training in Skilled Trade Professions. Application decisions are not made upon prior academic standing or background but rather upon character, motivation, and need. If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply here.

See our online application.

In order to ensure that you realize the full benefit of our program, our Student Agreement includes participation standards to which you’ll be asked to commit. These standards include both weekly and monthly requirements for communication and/or attendance at various Wyakin-sponsored development opportunities.

The benefits you’ve earned can be difficult to decipher, but as a Wyakin Warrior we can connect you to the proper VA resources to help you make the most of what is available to you.  Here’s a place to start: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility, so we’re committed to the complete transparency of our financials. You can feel good about giving to Wyakin, as over 80% of every dollar spent goes directly to our Warrior programs. Our culture dictates that we are mission-driven and fully devoted to the success of our Warriors, and because of that we are proud to show you the real, human stories of Wyakin. Donate Now!

The Wyakin Foundation is an approved Intermountain Combined Federal Campaign designee for government employee donations. Contact us if your company is a member of CFC and you’d like more information on our organization.

CFC Number: 86886

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

We would love to explore ideas for establishing a mutually beneficial partnership with your business.  Contact us anytime at (208) 853-6001.