KAYENTA, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined state, tribal, and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Kayenta Center of Northland Pioneer College, a transformative investment expanding access to higher education and workforce development on the Navajo Nation.
The ceremony marked a historic partnership among NPC officials, Kayenta Township, the Navajo Nation, and the Arizona Commerce Authority. Funded by a $9 million Economic Transition Resources Grant, the project reflects a shared commitment to rural and tribal education.
“This day is about opportunity and our future,” said President Nygren. “For too long, our students have traveled hours to pursue their education. This new center allows them to learn, work, and stay close to their families and communities.”
The new campus, located in the Kayenta Industrial Park, will feature modern classrooms, science laboratories, community spaces, a new town library, and broadband-enabled learning environments supporting healthcare, career and technical education, and workforce certification programs. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
President Nygren acknowledged the leadership of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, and education advocates such as Dr. Dolores Greyeyes for advancing the project.
He emphasized that high-quality education is essential to economic strength, workforce readiness, and sovereignty, concluding that the Kayenta Center represents a stronger, more resilient future for the Navajo Nation and rural Arizona.
