Diné College’s Ascendium Internship Program empowers students by advancing their success and workforce readiness.
TSAILE, ARIZ., Diné College’s Office of Student Engagement & Leadership has successfully concluded its Fall 2025 Ascendium Paid Internship Program. Ascendium Internship provided on-campus employment and professional development for students throughout the semester. It advanced student persistence, credential completion, and workforce readiness by reducing financial barriers and connecting academic learning with practical experience.
During the Fall 2025 semester, eight Diné College students were employed as interns, working 20 hours per week at $17 per hour. The program supported a mix of associate and bachelor’s degree candidates with all eight participants reenrolling for the Spring 2026 semester. One intern completed their degree requirements and graduated.
The paid internships offered vital financial support, helping students cover expenses like tuition, books, transportation, and living costs. This financial stability allowed them to focus on their studies without seeking off-campus work that could conflict with class schedules.
As one intern in the Business Administration program noted, “As a student paying for my education out of pocket, this internship played an important role in supporting my ability to remain enrolled and manage my financial responsibilities while pursuing my academic goals.”
College Interns gained valuable, transferable skills by supporting daily operations in various campus departments at Tsaile Campus and Shiprock Branch Campus. Program outcomes showed high confidence levels in technical and professional competencies: 88% of participants reported being very confident using Microsoft Office tools and 100% expressed extreme confidence in professional communication and customer service.
A site supervisor praised the program’s impact, stating, “Each semester, the Ascendium Internship Program provides meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a professional office setting. I have personally witnessed the positive impact of this program, as several interns have successfully transitioned into employment within our institution.”
The Ascendium Paid Internship Program exemplifies Diné College’s commitment to student access, equity, and workforce preparation across the Navajo Nation. By integrating academic pathways with career-connected employment, the college ensures students graduate ready to lead and succeed, empowering the next generation to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
