MARIANO LAKE, NM — Navajo Nation President Nygren recently visited the Mariano Lake Chapter Youth Summer Employment Program, where he met with young workers, supervisors, and chapter staff to recognize the importance of providing meaningful work opportunities for Navajo youth while investing in the future of their communities.
The Mariano Lake Chapter’s program offers temporary employment opportunities for youth beginning at age 14 through adulthood, giving participants valuable hands-on work experience while serving their local community. Unlike many traditional programs, the chapter adjusts its budget each year to accommodate the number of students who apply, ensuring as many young people as possible have the opportunity to participate. Youth rotate through one- to two-week work assignments, allowing more students to gain valuable job experience throughout the summer.
Participants complete a variety of projects that directly benefit the chapter and surrounding community. From removing and replanting trees to maintaining chapter facilities and assisting with labor projects under the guidance of a construction supervisor, students gain practical skills while learning the value of teamwork, responsibility, and community service.
During the visit, President Nygren also toured the chapter’s greenhouse, provided through Navajo Technical University, where youth help care for crops including lettuce, squash, and other vegetables. The greenhouse gives participants hands-on experience in agriculture while promoting food sustainability and healthy living within the community.
President Nygren praised the students for their strong work ethic and thanked the supervisors and chapter staff who dedicate their time to mentoring the next generation.
“It’s always exciting to see our young people building new skills and gaining valuable work experience,” said President Nygren. “Thank you to the supervisors who invest their time in mentoring these students. I was honored to see so many hardworking young people out in the heat, working with their hands and their minds, without complaining. These experiences teach practical skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
The visit also highlighted the Navajo Nation’s continued commitment to expanding employment opportunities for young people. Recent increases to the Navajo Nation minimum wage are helping provide greater financial opportunities for workers while strengthening workforce development across the Nation.
Programs like Mariano Lake’s Youth Summer Employment Program not only prepare young people for future careers but also instill a sense of pride, responsibility, and service by giving back to the communities they call home. Through opportunities like these, the Navajo Nation continues investing in the next generation of leaders, workers, and community builders.
