Diné College Wraps Up Summer Internship Program, Prepares Students for Fall Semester
TSAILE, Ariz. Diné College Student Affairs successfully concluded its Summer 2025 Ascendium Paid Internship Program, marking the end of a productive 10-week professional development experience for Student Interns at Tsaile and Shiprock Branch Campuses. The program offered hands-on workplace experience, and each participant is registered and prepared for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester.
Running from June 9 to August 15, the Ascendium Paid Internship Program placed students across nine departments, where they worked 20 hours per week at a rate of $17 per hour. Funded through the Project Success Ascendium Grant, the program paired each Student Intern with a site supervisor who provided mentorship and integrated them into ongoing department operations.
Student Interns contributed meaningfully to offices and programs such as Recruitment, Finance, Summer Institute, NMS Cafeteria, Athletics, Special Projects, Financial Aid, and Student Wellness Program – Health Promotion & Education, and Student Activities. These placements allowed students to gain direct experience with institutional planning, project coordination, and day-to-day operations.
Throughout the summer, Student Interns engaged in activities that highlighted how department-level efforts support broader college initiatives. Many took part in key events such as the Fall 2025 Convocation, where they met returning faculty and staff and obtained insight into the College’s Academic mission and culture.
A significant highlight of the program was a team-building retreat held during the final week in Pagosa, Colorado. The Escape Zone retreat allowed students to strengthen communication and collaboration skills, while also building community and peer support.
“Our Student Interns demonstrated academic promise, to learn, contribute, and grow in ways that reflect the unique mission of Diné College. Their work this summer was grounded in the values of Nitsáhákees (Thinking), Nahat’á (Planning), Iiná (Living), and Sihasin (Assurance).” Reflecting on the impact of the program, Thomas Bennett, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, stated, “It is inspiring to witness how they carry our cultural values into their professional growth, helping to build a future rooted in service, leadership, and self-determination.”
This summer’s group is among the final participants supported by the current Project Success Ascendium Grant, which spans from 2023 to 2025. The College will select its final round of Student Interns during the Fall 2025 semester, concluding the grant-funded program cycle.
All participating students completed the program, finalized their fall registration, and are now entering the new semester with renewed confidence and a stronger connection to their academic and professional goals.
Students interested in applying for the Fall 2025 Ascendium Paid Internship can visit the Diné College Careers page to learn more and submit their application.
