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Dine College - The Higher Education Institution of the Navajo since 1968

Institutes & Programs

DPI LogoINSTITUTES - Diné Policy Institute

Diné Policy Institute (DPI)
Through Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozhoon, Diné Policy Institute provides quality research to facilitate and analyze issues and educate all people, enhances and ensures that well-reasoned policies are developed to protect the sovereignty and cultural integrity of the Ni’hooka’ Dine’e’, in order to renew the principles and values of Sa’a Naghai Bik’e Hozhoon. The Diné Policy Institute is established under Diné College as a research institute to “mesh” Western research practices with traditional Navajo values, Natural, Traditional, Customary, and Common laws (as found in the CN-69-02) and principles to advise (by recommendation) the Navajo Nation law and policy-makers.

DEI LogoINSTITUTES - Diné Environmental Institute

General Information
DEI conducts environmental studies through field and laboratory research and analysis, culturally relevant curriculum development, educational instruction, data collection and data management, including repository archiving and sharing, policy formation, community outreach and training, and environmental project management.

Land Grant Office (LGO)
LGO develops and implements education, research, student orientated hands-on activities and community participation, to promote and provides a learning environment in agriculture and food science, and environmental science. LGO also provide services in extension services, community education, professional development, curriculum development and rural community and economic development. Currently, LGO has the Navajo Textile Project, Animal Care and Management, the Native Landscaping Project, Nutrition for Young Children, Tsaile Watershed Research Project and the Sheep is Life Project. LGO will be extending its educational services into GIS, youth development, small farms and the invasive plants field to expose students and community members into these various areas. LGO office is located on the second floor of the Hatathli Center. For more information, call 928-724-6941.

Navajo Dryland Environments Laboratory
The Navajo Dryland Environments Laboratory at Shiprock Campus is an institute for education and research in the environmental sciences and environmental technology. It is part of a consortium that includes New Mexico’s three major research universities and two national laboratories. The program maintains teaching and research laboratories for environmental science, chemistry, and geology. The program supports the Environmental Science degree, field based research and consulting on environmental issues of interest to the Navajo Nation, and scientific research projects by Diné College students. For more information, call (505) 368-3556.

Uranium Education Program
Diné College's Uranium Education Program is partnership project designed to examine health issues arising from the environmental impacts of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. Partners include Diné College, IHS physicians, the Navajo Division of Health, Saccomanno Research Institute of Grand Junction, the University of New Mexico Center for Health Promotion for Rural American Indians, Northern Arizona University's Environmental Outreach Program, the EPA, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and researchers with expertise in radiation and environmental health issues. The program's purpose is to assess local information need, plan mitigation actions, evaluate educational efforts, and empower local community members. For more information, call (505) 368-3515.

PROGRAMS

Adult Basic Education (ABE) / General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Testing
The Adult Education Program provides instruction to students, who want to either improve their English literacy skills, improve their basic academic skills (in reading, writing, or mathematics), or earn a New Mexico High School diploma. For more information, call (505) 368-3536.

Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE)
Funded by the National Institute of Health and based primarily at Shiprock Campus, the RISE Program promotes teaching, learning, and research in the health and social sciences for students, faculty, and local reservation communities. Diné Educational Philosophy provides a foundation for the program. Students conceptualize, plan, implement, and validate their progress in achieving academic and career goals. Activities for students include academic skills workshops, mentoring and advising, a Navajo Professionals lecture series, peer mentorship,
supplemental instruction in key courses, and lab based research assistantships at Diné College and other institutions. For more information, call (505) 368-3555.

Summer Research Enhancement Program
This program prepares American Indian students for careers in diabetes prevention research. It is also designed to strengthen the research capabilities of Tribal Colleges and Universities. The 10 week, summer program is available to freshman and sophomore college students who are interested in developing research skills and participating in community based projects within the Navajo Nation or other American Indian communities. For more information, call (505) 386-3555 or (928) 724-6936.

GRANTS
Bush Grant

For the past years, the Bush Foundation has awarded Diné College funds for faculty professional development. We are currently in the second year of the three-year award cycle with $50,000 awarded per year.