WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined leadership from Navajo Technical University, Diné College, and the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance for the signing ceremony of Resolution No. 0169-25, which amends the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund and marks a historic investment in Navajo students and higher education.
The resolution increases annual funding to $19 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2028. Diné College will receive $6 million, Navajo Technical University will receive $6 million, and ONNSFA will receive $7 million to expand scholarship access and student support services. The measure passed the Navajo Nation Council with a vote of 17 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 not voting after review by multiple standing committees and the addition of strengthened accountability provisions.
Beyond funding allocations, the broader education discussion highlighted initiatives to recruit and mentor students through internships and externships, including potential legal internship placements and coordinated training opportunities. Education leaders also emphasized teacher certification programs, Diné language assessments for K–8 students, special education training, and early intervention programs that support families from prenatal stages through early childhood.
The resolution requires annual reporting on enrollment, graduation rates, workforce outcomes, community impact, and audited financial statements. Both Diné College and NTU must dedicate at least 5 percent of funding toward Diné language teacher programming, along with investments in endowments and K–12 education pipeline efforts.
President Nygren emphasized that investing in higher education through Resolution No. 0169-25 is central to preserving Diné language and culture while preparing the next generation of leaders to guide the Navajo Nation forward.
