March 13, 2024
Northland Pioneer College (NPC), has launched a new program focused on serving Native American students. The Native American Student Success Program (NASS), plans to provide positive engagement events for students, their families, and the community at NPC’s center locations in Kayenta, Hopi, and Whiteriver throughout the academic year. This spring, NPC is offering a series of four workshops on student success. All NPC Native American students and their families are invited to attend, including area High School students. Community members who may be considering higher education as a pathway are also welcome. Each workshop will be offered at all three tribal centers and lunch will be provided. The workshop series runs from March through April. Similar workshops are planned for the fall 2024 semester.
The first workshop in the spring series “Time Management & Study Skills” teaches students strategies for note-taking, reading skills, and test-taking skills. Other topics include emailing instructors, understanding degree plans, and planning for the next semester. In the second workshop, “School-work-family balance,” students will learn strategies for balancing school, work, and family obligations. College students may often feel overwhelmed at juggling all three. This session will help students learn how to manage those demands. The third series, “NPC College Resources,” will teach students about the resources offered through NPC. This includes the library, the NPC website’s Virtual Student Center, tutoring and writing assistance, and tribal community resources. Other topics will include transferring to a university, resume writing, and how to interview successfully. The final workshop in the series, “Financial Wellness & Literacy,” teaches students about personal finance, budgeting, checking and savings accounts, credit, and financial aid. Other topics include completing the FAFSA, as well as NPC’s financial aid process and scholarship opportunities available through NPC Friends & Family.
NPC’s Title III Program Director and lead for the Native American Student Success initiative, Tonya Thacker said, “This is the first step in NPC’s goal to create and foster a student mentorship system among Native American students at NPC’s tribal centers.” She explained, “We want to get students involved in the process so that students can assist in future workshops, coaching their fellow students. Workshops conducted for students by students are the end goal.” At the workshops, attendees will also receive items that will promote their academic success including backpacks, notebooks, planners, and basic school supplies. Students who complete the entire series will also be awarded a three-credit NPC tuition waiver courtesy of NPC Friends and Family, the non-profit organization that supports NPC student success.
Visit www.npc.edu/nass for March and April workshop dates, locations, and times. Email NativeAmericanStudentSuccess@npc.edu for more information and to register for a workshop.
Northland Pioneer College serves the residents of Navajo and Apache counties with four regional campuses and five center locations. The college offers academic, career, and technical training and education as well as personal enrichment options. NPC supports each student’s educational goals through affordable tuition, small class sizes, and caring, professional instructors. For more information visit www.npc.edu.