NPC Friends and Family (NPCFF), the nonprofit foundation that supports student scholarships at Northland Pioneer College (NPC), has awarded a total of $109,000 in scholarship awards, more than ever before, for the upcoming fall 2026 semester. More scholarship opportunities are still available.
One hundred thirty students applied during the six-week general application window, more than twice as many as the year prior. Ninety of those students received awards. This came on the heels of the launch of a new application platform, making it easier than ever for students to apply for scholarships through NPCFF. Volunteer reviewers made up of NPC faculty and staff as well as many members of the local community helped score applications.
Many of the awards are funded through individual donations to NPCFF and through NPCFF’s annual Pedal the Petrified fundraising bike tour through the Petrified Forest National Park (coming up September 26, 2026, www.npc.edu/pedal4scholarships). Community and donor contributions are vital to NPCFF’s effort to support student scholarships. NPCFF’s Executive Director, Jesse Reeck, said, “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of individuals across our communities who support students pursuing education and career training at NPC. We have incredible students who are working hard and overcoming the odds to better their lives and those of their families. Every semester they tell us how these scholarships make their efforts possible and provide them the encouragement and affirmation to keep going.”
Geneva Jackson of St. Johns was awarded one of four of this fall’s Jennifer Lee Witt Memorial Scholarships. She expressed, “While I was excited to learn I’d been accepted to NPC’s Nursing Program, I was also worried about how I would pay for school. I had to reduce my work hours to meet the rigorous demands of the nursing program. With rising gas prices, I was also concerned about managing a 120-mile commute to campus several days a week. I live far from the main campus where the classes and clinicals are held. This scholarship lifted a huge weight from my shoulders. It gave me hope, reassurance, and confidence that nursing is my true calling. It also made me less afraid and even more determined…your generosity has truly changed my life.”
In addition to individual donors, several local organizations and businesses provide scholarships through NPC Friends and Family.
- The Summit Healthcare Foundation provides ten scholarships to nursing students every Fall.
- SRP provides five scholarships every semester to help cover fees and supplies for welding students.
- The House Restaurant in Show Low funds scholarships for three high school graduates, one each from Blue Ridge, Show Low, and Snowflake High Schools.
- KGJ Roofing in Show Low funds a two-year scholarship for students pursuing a career & technical education (CTE) every year.
- The White Mountain Commissioned Officers Association funds an annual scholarship for a student in nursing or allied health.
- The White Mountain Firefighters Association, Local 4217, provides the White Mountain Fallen Firefighters Memorial Scholarship to fund a fire science or EMT/Paramedic student each semester.
- The White River Lodge #62 and the Cedar Hills Senior Center both fund scholarships for NPC students every year.
- The White Mountain Women’s Club provides five scholarships each year, and the Winslow Women’s Club provides emergency support and sponsors students as needed.
“NPC is deeply thankful for the partnerships with these “Friends & Family” who are investing in students and in the community in such powerful, life-changing ways,” said Reeck.
This year, NPCFF also awarded Golden Eagle Scholarships in honor of two members of the NPC family who passed away in the academic year. Frank Lucero, a long-time member of the NPC District Governing Board and avid community leader from Holbrook, AZ, and Tamara Osborne of Springerville/Eagar, who managed the center location for thirteen years and was a fiber artist and joy-bringer to those in the Round Valley area.
The Golden Eagle Scholarship was established by former NPCFF Executive Director, Betsyann Wilson and her husband Ed. The scholarship honors the dedication of NPC alumni, public servants or loved ones in furthering the educational pursuits of NPC students. One of this year’s Golden Eagle scholarship recipients is a first-generation college student. Another is a working father returning to school after many years. A third is a recent local high school graduate. All expressed their commitment to extending Mr. Lucero and Ms. Osborne’s legacies. For them, these scholarships provide encouragement and motivation well beyond the financial support.
NPCFF still has $35,000 in scholarships and grants to award for the upcoming fall 2026 semester. The recently launched Kickstart Scholarship is for students who are new to NPC. The application for those awards is currently open, along with awards specifically for students in therapeutic massage, fire science/EMT, or who are recent graduates of Alchesay High School. Transportation grant applications for students traveling more than 30 miles one-way to attend class will open on the first day of fall classes, August 24th.
To apply for an NPCFF scholarship, visit www.npc.edu/ffscholarships. To learn more about NPC Friends and Family and to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.npc.edu/npcfriendsfamily or contact npcff@npc.edu.
