President’s Welcome
This report is just a sampling of the amazing work happening right here, in your community, at your local community college - Northland Pioneer College. Some of the highlights include an overview of the college’s new Bachelor’s Degree programs. These Bachelor’s degrees will allow students the opportunity to earn four-year degrees in high-demand career fields while remaining connected to their home communities. Meeting the needs of our communities and students is the foundation of our purpose, and this report will give you a taste of NPC resources, and the incredible perseverance our students exhibit. The student stories relate to he unique academic journeys that our community members face including traveling long distances, students who feel they have to choose between education and family or ceremonial commitments, or even believing that a degree is out of reach. However, our students’ stories are a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your educational goals and that those seemingly difficult obstacles can be overcome.
One common challenge in attending college is the idea that you might not be able to afford it, but in this report, you will learn about the tremendous work the college’s Friends and Family Foundation is doing to offer students an avenue to earn scholarships which can make taking classes at NPC a reality.
Before I began serving the college in upper administration, I was a long-time faculty member and Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department. So, I would like to direct your attention to the summary of the opportunities that the department can offer to you. Since we live in a society that can seem increasingly stressful and contentious, what better way to move away from all that tension than by tapping into your own creativity and learning new skills for self-expression? That is what a fine arts class (like painting, drawing, sculpting) can unlock for you. You might also appreciate connecting with other students and community members in performing on stage or by supporting the work of performers backstage. These types of creative outlets are also available at Northland Pioneer College.
Thank you for your interest in the college and I hope you will enjoy learning more about the work that is being done to support our students and communities by reading this annual report.
YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR COLLEGE.
“...by investing in local community colleges, communities are investing in themselves.”
Community colleges are vital institutions that bring accessible education and practical skill development directly to the people they serve. As affordable, flexible learning hubs, they open doors for students of all ages, backgrounds, and career goals, making education attainable without the financial burden often associated with traditional four-year universities. Northland Pioneer College (NPC) is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of our communities, offering programs in essential fields like healthcare, business, technology, alternative energy, welding, and general studies. Whether someone seeks to upskill, change careers, or transfer to a university, NPC provides a foundation that supports personal and professional growth right within your home community.
This “your community, your college” approach not only ensures that NPC is inclusive but also that we stay relevant to the evolving needs of our area. NPC works directly with local businesses, industries, and organizations to design programs that align with regional and national job markets, giving students real-world skills that prepare them for in-demand careers. By investing in local community colleges, communities are investing in themselves—fostering local talent, encouraging economic growth, and nurturing a shared sense of pride and identity.
ALL ABOUT Your College:
OUR MISSION: Northland Pioneer College provides educational excellence that is affordable and accessible for the enrichment of communities across northeastern Arizona.
OUR VISION: NPC continually responds to the needs of our communities by cultivating generations of learners. By 2030, NPC will transform lives by advancing student success and socio‐economic well‐being through a spirit of innovation, partnership, and creative problem-solving.
Northland Pioneer College’s service area is over 21,000 sq. miles and includes all of Navajo and Apache Counties, Arizona. NPC’s centers are outfitted with high-tech connected classrooms to provide virtual learning experiences to remote locations increasing access for our students and community members.
2 counties
3 tribal nations
4 campuses
5 centers
REVENUE AREAS
$1 of public money invested in NPC = $2.10 in cumulative value to taxpayers over a student's working life!
NPC's Revenue Sources
APPROVED BUDGETS:
- Top Bar: 2023-2024
- Bottom Bar: 2024-2025
Information presented is on cash basis.
Dual Enrollment/NAVIT Agreements:
NPC partners with 20 area high schools to allow students to earn college credit while attending high school (dual enrollment). NPC also partners with the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology to bring vocational training to 12 area high schools.Major Accomplishments 2023-24
NPC Received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer two new bachelor’s degree programs (Bachelor of Arts in Early Education and Bachelor of Applied Management).
NPC was awarded an Arizona 3-year grant totaling $8.98 million to build a new Center in Kayenta. The new location will provide better visibility and access to students.
New programs in behavioral health, administration of justice studies, and personal training and rehabilitation are being offered at NPC.
Utilizing funding from the State’s Office of Economic Opportunity, NPC was able to purchase equipment for welding, firefighter, and new commercial driver license programs.
The College and Career Preparation program raised Measurable Skill Gains from 28% in FY22-23 to 43% in FY23-24, a seven-year high for the program and the first time meeting the state’s goal in several years. The number of individuals earning their High School Equivalency also increased 2.5 times from the previous year.
The Nursing program graduated 37 students with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
The Springerville/Eager center location was moved from a K-12 facility to a new stand-alone location with a science lab. The new location provides better visibility and access to students.
NPC Implemented a new Integrated Education & Training (NAT-IET) program for College and Career Preparation students to work on their High School Equivalency preparation/developmental education and to complete Nursing’s NAT 101 course to prepare for the Licensed Nursing Assistant certification examination. Many students in the IET are Native American and live from Kayenta to Whiteriver in the NPC service area. The NAT-IET program also won the League for Innovation Award. Read more on page 14.
Upgraded microwave tower equipment was installed to enhance reliability and expand bandwidth for campus and center connections in addition to upgraded network equipment to support faster internet and network speeds.
Using Title III grant funds, NPC created an online Virtual Student Success Center (www.npc.edu/vssc) for students to navigate the NPC website more efficiently and mobile Virtual Online Student Centers by installing computer workspaces at all campuses and centers. Using these workspaces, students can communicate in a virtual setting with various offices and departments across NPC. NPC also hosted student success/financial wellness workshops, open house events, and community focus groups at each tribal center to promote Native American Student Success and partnership opportunities.
The remodeling of the Goldwater Building at the White Mountain Campus has begun! The renovated space will be used to create a welcome center for students and visitors and a more centralized front office space.
Bachelor’s Programs
Three Bachelor’s Programs are Now Available at NPC!
Northland Pioneer College (NPC) has added two new bachelor’s degrees to its program offerings. The Higher Learning Commission and the Arizona Board of Education have granted approval and accreditation for NPC’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEE) and Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) degrees. The new programs will begin enrolling students at all nine NPC locations this spring 2025 semester.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education equips individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to become effective and impactful teachers. NPC’s first bachelor’s degree program, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education (BAS-ECE) debuted last spring and currently has 26 students enrolled in its first two cohorts. The BAS-ECE builds on associate degree programs in Early Childhood to deepen teaching knowledge and prepares graduates to become highly qualified and certified early childhood educators for children in preschool through 3rd grade. The new Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEE) expands on NPC’s teacher certification pathways. The BAEE prepares graduates for careers in private, charter, or district elementary school kindergarten through 8th grade settings. For both degrees, emphasis is placed on educational theory, child development, and classroom management techniques providing students with the tools they need to build engaging and supportive learning environments. Upon successful completion of NPC’s Board of Education-approved bachelor’s educator preparation programs, students will receive an Institutional Recommendation (IR) creating a streamlined and smooth process for graduates to earn teacher certification.
NPC’s Associate Dean of Educator Preparation programs, Dr. Allison Landy explained, “In working with various schools, principals, and superintendents from across our communities we recognized a significant need for high-quality teachers locally. There are vast teacher shortages and a surplus of emergency and long-term substitute teachers in our classrooms,” she said. “Local education providers need qualified candidates who are rooted in our communities and who want to live and work here. We knew we needed to grow our own,” she said. “Our communities need locally driven quality educator preparation programs that are accessible and affordable.” Most of the credits for the BAEE and BAS-ECE are in lower-division coursework, making it much more affordable to earn a bachelor’s degree in education through NPC than elsewhere. Additionally, 100 percent of an earned associate degree in education from NPC applies toward the bachelor’s degrees—creating a true half-and-half pathway.
NPC is also opening pathways to bachelor’s degrees in the field of business. The new Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) degree builds on any earned associate degree, including those in technical fields such as cosmetology, automotive, welding, construction, surgical technology, pharmacy tech, computer science, and more. The BAM is a stackable degree option designed to teach students how to apply management techniques in various business environments. Students learn financial management, information systems management, and human resources management consistent with industry standards.
According to NPC Faculty in Business, Rachel Arroyo-Townsend, who orchestrated the development of the BAM degree, “This is the perfect degree for students who want to go into something they are passionate about, and then build on that experience to earn a bachelor’s degree that specializes in either entrepreneurship and leadership or medical administration management. This is a way for students to keep the credits they earn at the associate degree level and apply them to a bachelor’s degree that they can earn locally. All 60 credits of an applicable associate degree are guaranteed to apply to the BAM. This gives people in our area a way to move up in their careers and build on their educations without having to leave the community.”
With NPC’s bachelor’s degree offerings, students can now complete their upper-level coursework where they live, where they work, and where they raise their families.
Associate degree graduates from NPC will be given priority for admission to the new bachelor’s degree programs. Tuition for the upper-division (300 and 400 level) courses is one of the lowest in the state and is significantly less than that of state universities. An array of scholarship opportunities are also available to students who enroll.
NPC is currently accepting applications for the BAEE and BAS-ECE programs. The application deadline is November 1st for entry in the spring 2025 semester. Learn more and apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEE) at www.npc.edu/baee or contact the program’s director, NPC Associate Dean of Educator Preparation Programs, Dr. Allison Landy at allison.landy@npc.edu.
For those interested in enrolling in the new BAM degree program, students can prepare now by reaching out to an academic advisor or by contacting NPC Faculty in Business, Rachel Arroyo-Townsend at rachel-arroyo-townsend@npc.edu. Visit www.npc.edu/bam for more information.
NPC Friends and Family
Making education possible through scholarships
In 2014, the NPC Foundation, established in 1983, was reorganized under the name of Northland Pioneer College Friends and Family, Inc., or NPC Friends and Family. It is the mission of the organization to support lifelong learning through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteerism, with an emphasis on connecting students with scholarships. The fledgling NPC Friends and Family established goals that prioritized growth, measured by the number of “friends” who supported the organization, through donations, participation in fund-raising events, and/or volunteering; amount of assets; and number of scholarship dollars awarded each year. With regard to the latter, it became apparent very early on that, even more important than raising scholarship dollars, NPC students had to be taught how to apply for them and encouraged to do so. So many NPC students are the first generation in their families ever to attempt college, and there was considerable misunderstanding about what applying for and winning a scholarship entailed. Teaching scholarship workshops and creating accessible online scholarship tutorials became and remains a top priority.
In 2014, the number of “friends” on the NPC Friends and Family contact list totaled fewer than 200, not counting NPC employees. Today, there are over 1,400. In 2014, the 501(c)3 organization had a total of $213,960.00 in net assets, which included seven unique scholarship funds. As of 2024, net assets for NPC Friends and Family total over $2.5 million and include over thirty named and memorial scholarships. In the academic year 2014-2015, a total of $18,390.00 in scholarships was awarded to 29 unique students. In the academic year 2023-2024, over $173,000.00 was awarded to 96 unique students. Since 2018, the organization has been awarded the Platinum seal of approval by Candid (Formerly GuideStar) the nonprofit that helps other nonprofits across the country to connect with funders who support their work. This award is based on integrity and transparency and enhances the ability of the organization to continue to help NPC students improve their lives, and thus the lives of their families and communities, through the transformative power of education.
About NPC Friends and Family
NPC Friends and Family is organized exclusively to support the mission and goals of Northland Pioneer College through advancement of college programs and services, the establishment and growth of student scholarships, and positive promotion of NPC. NPC Friends & Family Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible. You can also make a tax-deductible donation at https://www.npc.edu/friends-and-family.
NPC Friends & Family, Executive Director
betsy.wilson@npc.edu | (928) 536-6245
1611 South Main Street, Snowflake, AZ 85937
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
About the SBDC
Northland Pioneer College’s SBDC provides individual guidance, educational programs, and resources that help both prospective entrepreneurs and existing business owners be successful. All services are provided at no cost and your information is held in the strictest confidence. Our award-winning business consultants are an objective resource, focused only on your best interests. We can help you start, grow, sustain, or even sell a small business. No matter where you are in the business cycle, we can customize a program based on your specific needs.Regional Economic Review
The overall economy in Navajo and Apache Counties fared well in 2024. Driven by construction and tourism, local businesses were able to capitalize on the growth.
Northern Areas:
The Hopi lands and the Navajo Nation were hit harder during the pandemic and have been slower to recover. The SSBCI funds have been slow to get going, however 2025 should see some incredible investment into small businesses in the region. This, in addition to the increase in access to broadband will be pivotal in assisting small business owners in the area.
Holbrook and Winslow, are seeing growth in the small business arena. While there is constant talk about a large employer moving into the region, it’s the small business owners that are creating the jobs and tax base that are driving the growth.
Southern Areas
Local small businesses in the southern portions of Navajo and Apache Counties continue to experience strong sales and customer growth. The real estate market remains strong and is expected to do so for the coming year.Retail, construction and hospitality continued to have strong revenue, although revenue has declined a bit since the pandemic. The economy is predicted to remain up for 2025.
2023-2024 Statistics
- New Capital = $25.59M
- New Jobs = 62
- Business Startups = 32
- Businesses Counseled = 238
- Underserved Business Startups = 32
Questions For more information, contact:
Craig Boston, SBDC Center Director
Goldwater Center, Rm 106-108
1001 W. Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, AZ 85901
craig.boston@npc.edu (928) 532-6707
Meet Our Students
Lisa Benally is enrolled in the Northland Pioneer College Surgical Technology program, which is offered at our White Mountain Campus in Show Low. This program was launched in 2019, in response to the tremendous need for licensed surgical technicians not only across the NPC service area but in rural hospitals across the country. As the name implies, Surg Techs assist the surgical team in the operating theatre. A career as a Surg Tech provides great opportunities for employment and financial security, a life-changer for so many of our students.
Lisa lives north of Holbrook on the Navajo Nation. She was accepted into the program which is over ninety miles, one way, from her home. Lisa explains, “I am not conventionally employed, but ranching is the full-time job that helps support my family. Water hauling, immunizing cattle, taking our animals to the veterinarian, and keeping them healthy is a lot of work. Selling our livestock at the auction helps me and my children financially. There are many challenges, but I look forward to walking in a cap and gown after almost 30 years.” Lisa was awarded the CASO Student Scholarship and the AndyVon Transportation Grant to help her complete her program. It will be a great thing to see this Navajo woman, rancher, mother, and full-time college student walk across the stage in her cap and gown as a Surgical Technician and a living example of tenacity, dedication, and perseverance.
Kristopher Herder is a very valuable kind of person in his chosen career path. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development from Northland Pioneer College in 2023 and became a member of the inaugural cohort of candidates for NPC’s first Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education (BAS-ECE) in 2024. Aside from being a man in a field that is predominantly female, Kristopher is a member of the Navajo Nation who speaks his native language fluently and practices traditional customs with his own children and with the children he teaches as a working paraprofessional and student.
This year, Kristopher’s life took a turn. His job as a teacher’s aide in the small school in his home community was downsized. Without employment, he and his family moved in with his mother. Her traditional home is almost twenty miles from her chapter house. It has no electricity or running water. Much of Kristopher’s course load can be taken online, supplemented by practicum sessions in primary-grade classrooms, supervised by a faculty member in NPC’s Early Childhood Education program. Still, no electricity means no internet, so Kristopher now drives almost 100 miles, twice weekly, to take his online classes at the nearest NPC campus in Winslow. He drives 80 miles weekly to the school where he does his practicum work.
Integrated Education Program
Preparing students for both the High School Equivalency (®GED) and certification as a nursing assistant at the same time.
Beginning in Spring 2024, NPC students were able to obtain their High School Equivalency (such as the ®GED) and prepare for certification and licensure as a nursing assistant at the same time.
NPC’s College and Career Preparation Department began offering an 8-week workforce readiness course (CCP 103) from March 19 through May 9 at all NPC locations. Classes met two evenings a week and were specifically designed to integrate education with training to prepare students who do not have a high school diploma, or who just want to improve their basic skills and become workforce-ready as certified nursing assistants or licensed nursing assistants. Students who complete the course will gain the tools and requirements they need to enroll in the NAT 101 pre-requisite course, which is mandatory for entry into NPC’s nursing program. Tuition for the Workforce Readiness CCP 103 class (and for the follow-up NAT 101 course) is covered 100% by the Arizona Adult Basic Education Scholarship.
According to the classes’ instructor, Jesse Reeck, “This is an opportunity for people who might otherwise feel like they just aren’t ready to take these kinds of classes, to get the academic and financial support they need. If you are interested in getting into the field of healthcare or nursing and just feel like you are unprepared to enter the pre-requisite course, this is the jumpstart you need.” Depending on initial academic levels, students may be ready to earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) right away, or they can continue to work toward preparing for the CNA certification as they study towards an HSE. “I think this is a great model,” Reeck explained. “Adult learners don’t have time to waste. This is a great way to do it all together and make good progress toward multiple goals.”
To register for the upcoming High School Equivelancy classes, meet with a CCP Learning Assistant at any NPC location. For more information on NAT IET or integrated workforce trainings, contact Jesse Reeck at (928) 532-6782 or email Jessica.reeck@npc.edu.
Arts at NPC
Northland Pioneer College (NPC) offers a vibrant and diverse art program that serves as a creative outlet for students and community members alike, fostering talent across various artistic disciplines, including fine art, photography, and the performing arts. NPC’s curriculum invites students to explore, learn, and grow through a dynamic arts education.
Studio Art
A foundation for the creative Journey.
At NPC, students’ creativity comes alive in studio art classes offered across the Holbrook, Show Low, and Winslow campuses. Whether you are interested in traditional media like drawing, painting, watercolor, and printmaking or exploring mixed media in 2D and 3D art, the curriculum is designed to nurture fundamental skills and inspire creative experimentation. For those who prefer more specialized areas, NPC provides classes in colored pencil and digital photography. Show Low’s campus also offers ceramics, providing students with hands-on experience in shaping and molding clay. Lecture-based courses further expand students’ understanding of art history and design principles. Technology-enabled classrooms make it possible for courses on Art History, Native American Art, Basic Design, and Understanding Art to be accessible across all NPC locations, supporting students’ theoretical knowledge as they engage in creative pursuits.
The Talon Gallery
Dedicated to showcasing talent
NPC’s Talon Gallery, located in the Aspen Center on the Show Low campus, serves as a hub for artistic exhibitions. This gallery hosts exhibits throughout the year, featuring works by NPC students, local high school artists, as well as regional and national artists. The Talon Gallery not only brings the community together to celebrate creativity but also provides a professional space for emerging artists to showcase their work.
Pathways to University and Lifelong Learning
For those considering further study, NPC art classes are perfect as transferable general elective or humanities options for the Associate of Arts degree, which is designed for students planning to transfer to a university.
Additionally, the NPC Community Learning program offers noncredit courses in various crafts, from painting and clay art to jewelry making. These classes are perfect for personal enrichment, allowing participants to explore artistic hobbies.
The NPC Theatre Program
Bringing stories to life on stage
For those drawn to the performing arts, NPC’s Theatre program offers comprehensive training in theatrical production and performance. Courses cover essential topics, including acting, character development, voice, movement, and directing. Students can also explore stage makeup, lighting, scene design, costume creation, and public speaking, providing a full spectrum of skills necessary for a successful production. Each semester, NPC’s Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Snowflake stages a major production, giving students hands-on experience in drama. Auditions are open to the community, and selected participants enroll in Play Production courses to hone their acting or technical support skills. For
younger actors, NPC’s Children’s Theatre Workshop provides an immersive hands-on experience, welcoming children aged 8 to 14 to explore the world of theater.
View the 2024 Annual Report in Full! (PDF)
