March 26, 2025

Diné College Hosts “Still Sacred” Event on Writing, Culture, and Language

TSAILE, Ariz. Diné College students and leadership welcomed the American Indian College Fund (College Fund) to the Tsaile main campus on March 24, 2025, for a significant site visit focused on supporting Native student success.

The visit provided an opportunity for the College Fund to connect directly with students and staff. “We want to know what your hopes and needs are,” said Tammy Miller-Carlson, Chief Financial and Operations Officer for the College Fund. The College Fund staff are better equipped to tell the stories of tribal colleges and universities and their students when they see first-hand the colleges and students themselves.

During the visit, four Diné College students shared their inspirations for pursuing higher education and their experiences as scholarship recipients. They highlighted the importance of student clubs and activities, noting their role in providing mental and spiritual support to peers. Students also expressed the need for additional assistance with living expenses, such as utilities, transportation, and food, as well as travel scholarships to attend conferences and events outside the Navajo Nation.

The College Fund team also met with Diné College staff and deans to discuss expanding scholarships for graduate programs, addressing student debt, and supporting students pursuing master’s degrees. Staff emphasized the importance of students applying early for scholarships and completing the FAFSA for federal aid.

Beyond discussions, the College Fund staff immersed themselves in the Diné College experience. They observed a Navajo language class led by Roger Benally. They attended a presentation by Emery Denny of the Diné Policy Institute on Navajo history, connecting the past to contemporary educational needs.

Miss Navajo Nation 2024-2025 Ranisha Begay also participated. She shared her career path and inspired students as the keynote speaker for Career Builder Week, a program designed to help students explore future opportunities and build essential career skills.

The American Indian College Fund is a national nonprofit that provides scholarships and programming to help Native students access and succeed in higher education. The organization also partners with tribal colleges and universities by providing funding, training, and resources.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the College Fund awarded 6,648 scholarships totaling more than $20.5 million, benefiting students from 254 tribal nations across 45 states.

For more information on the American Indian College Fund and scholarship opportunities, visit www.collegefund.org.