Crownpoint, NM – On June 26, 2024, Navajo Technical University and Wingate High School students presented the five programs featured in the 2024 Summer STEM and Skills program. These programs include welding, construction, business, culinary arts, and engineering. The program culminated in the Maker Faire, an event where students displayed their creations from their courses. This event allowed sixty students to exhibit their work and inspire others to pursue their interests.
The ceremony started with Brandon Jimenez, STEM Program Advisor, introducing Christine Reidhead. She has played a vital role in developing the program to its current state, ensuring that students receive top-quality instruction and an outstanding learning experience. Christine warmly welcomed the students and parents while introducing other guests and dignitaries.
In addition, Leonard Perry, the Vice President of the Crownpoint Chapter House, blessed and welcomed everyone to the event. He introduced attendees to the campus, highlighting all its significant aspects, and mentioned that NTU is growing into a more extensive and better campus than when it was first established.
Dr. Guy, the NTU President, discussed the history of the dual credit program and the benefits it offers to students. 'Students in the dual credit program are winners and gain a head start in earning college credit while still in high school,' Dr. Guy stated. 'I want to express my gratitude to all the partners, faculty, and staff who have continued to host the program for the past seven years. Additionally, I want to acknowledge the students who participated in this year's program and encourage them to enroll at NTU after graduation to continue their academic journey.”
Experienced instructors facilitate the program, providing individual attention to each student, ensuring they comprehensively understand the course material and acquire practical skills. Now entering its seventh year, the program has proven to be highly successful, and many students have benefited from the range of skills they acquire at NTU. Students in the program learn the fundamentals of their chosen field and the practical applications of those skills. They also explore possible careers in their respective fields and gain real-world experience with hands-on projects through the program.
Dr. Bowman expressed deep gratitude to all the students for their proactive enrollment in the program. She warmly thanked the instructors and student workers for supervising all program participants. Encouraging the students, she urged them to persist on their path toward higher education. Dr. Bowman also acknowledged the valuable partnership between San Jose State University (SJSU) and NTU, which enabled the students to attend classes free of charge.
Jason Arviso, the NTU Vice President, Al Martinez from Wingate High School, and Hilary Nixon, SJSU Deputy Executive Director, were speakers at the event. The students are grateful for their valuable insights and advice, which will help them achieve their career goals.
Roy Tracy is the esteemed Director of Educational Research and Statistics for the Department of Diné Education. He strongly emphasizes the crucial role of the Diné Institute for Navajo Nation Educators in overcoming the challenges confronting public education in the Diné Nation. Tracy stated, 'Take your education seriously. Continuing Diné Language and Culture is crucial, and self-esteem is a big factor in success. We have faith in you and want you to succeed. So, students, get involved in your community and local governance and run for office.”
Navajo Technical University (NTU) aims to make learning enjoyable and interactive, which is reflected in the experience students gain from the Summer STEM & Skills program. The courses are designed to keep students engaged and interested, fostering a passion for the subject areas and encouraging students to explore potential career paths. The program aims to provide students with a unique and engaging learning experience by offering hands-on skills in various fields. This year marks the seventh successful year of the program.