Navajo Nation Increases Higher Education Funding to $19 Million
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed legislation on Friday, February 13, reauthorizing the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act, an initiative led by Navajo Nation Council Delegates Dr. Andy Nez and Carl Slater.
The legislation provides $19 million annually for higher education, appropriating $6 million each to Diné College (DC) and Navajo Technical University (NTU) and $7 million to the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA).
At a signing ceremony attended by leaders from Diné College, NTU, and the Department of Diné Education (DODE), President Nygren said, “This is a proud day for our Nation. Increasing funding from $12 million to $19 million demonstrates our commitment to education and to our students’ futures.”
The Navajo Nation Council enacted the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act in 2004. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2006, the Act provided annual appropriations in varying amounts to the three entities, DC, NTU, and ONNSFA. Legislation authorizing the grant fund expired in FY 2025. Most recently, it provided $12.4 million. The reauthorization provides an increase of $1.8 million for NTU, $1.2 million for DC, and $3.5 million for ONNSFA.
For the ONNSFA, the reauthorized legislation doubles the Navajo Nation’s scholarship investment to $7 million annually. Rose Graham, ONNSFA director, expressed gratitude to the delegates who championed the legislation in the Navajo Nation Council and to President Nygren for signing it. “I want to acknowledge the 25th Navajo Nation Council for their dedication to this initiative,” Ms. Graham said. “Our students are dedicated to finishing their degree programs. For many, their journey takes more than four years. This initiative ensures more students can access the resources they need. We’re excited to see the positive impact on our students’ futures.”
In 2024, the ONNSFA awarded $25.5 million, including $3.88 million in Navajo Nation grant funds, to 6,426 students.
Glennita Haskey, Acting President of Diné College, also expressed her gratitude for the increased funding. “It’s for our students, our children, and our future. This money will help our institution and also for those that are seeking a better life and a future, maybe generations to come,” said Haskey. “We rely on our prayers and we acknowledge our elders. I know that because from that education framework, and I’m very thankful.”
