GIVE. GROW. CHANGE.
Early Giving Going On Now (donate anytime!)
AZ GIVES DAY (24-Hour Fundraiser) IS APRIL 7, 2026!
NPC Friends and Family is committed to advancing the mission of Northland Pioneer College through the provision of scholarships that empower students across Navajo and Apache Counties to transform their lives through education. Northland Pioneer College (NPC) serves Navajo and Apache counties, including the lands of the Navajo, Hopi, and White Mountain Apache people. While these are two of the poorest counties in the US, our students are determined to persist in their college dreams!
🌱 Help us grow NPC's student's futures! 🌱 Our goal is to raise $50,000.00 in scholarships for NPC students: the most dedicated, courageous college students you will ever encounter. Poverty is endemic across the college's service area, yet our students are determined to empower themselves through education! Through increased job opportunities and earning power, NPC graduates are literally breaking the cycle of poverty, improving income, reducing dependence on welfare programs, and serving as an example to friends and family members that a college degree is attainable. Because NPC's per-credit tuition is the lowest of any college in Arizona's system, there is nowhere your gift will go further or help more students achieve their goal of a college education! Thank you for all you do to support NPC students! 😀
Meet some of Northland Pioneer College's Students!
Samantha is the eldest of three siblings and was taught from an early age to work hard to provide for herself. She is responsible for all of her expenses, including rent, utilities, transportation, food, and her education. She works two jobs and attends NPC full-time. Samantha takes pride in her determination and perseverance. “I like pushing myself. I won’t give up. When I start something, I am determined to see things through.” A 2024 honors graduate of Show Low High School, she will earn her associate’s degree from NPC this spring at the top of her class. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
"I am so thankful for the scholarships through NPC. I feel like I will be able to focus on obtaining my bachelor's degree insead of worrying about the financial burden. The reality is that even with scholarships, school is expensive. On my own, I simply can not afford to pursue an education."
Pamela is a student and a tutor at NPC. She supports students who need to brush up on skills or are working on earning their High School Equivalency (GED®). She is an adult learner and a passionate advocate for education. Having felt intimidated about returning to the college classroom later in life, she understands the hardships students face. She has struggled through abuse, poverty, and discrimination. Pamela will earn her associate’s degree this spring from NPC and plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to earn her bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree. She hopes to use her education to further advocate for students in Northern Arizona.
“NPC is special and so supportive of the students. It's not just a tagaline that we transform lives. we really do. At NPC it really feels like you are part of a family. The scholarships and support of NPC Friends and Family has been huge," she said. "I wouldn't be able to continue my education without the support of the NPC family, both financially and personally. I hope to one day be able to give back to NPC by helping student's like me, find their path."
Dylan grew up in a remote area east of Snowflake. He is the eldest of four siblings who grew up depending on each other for entertainment and support. He was raised with very few social influences, no TV or access to the internet. Living with his father, he has taken on the responsibility of helping guide and care for his younger siblings. Dylan has a passion for mathematics and is fascinated by logic and how it applies to everyday tasks and life. He is currently a math tutor at NPC and enjoys teaching and helping others. He plans to continue his education and transfer to the University of Arizona.
“Scholarships are the only way I can go to college. My family doesn't have a college fund for me or my siblings and my savings don't go far. Coming to NPC has shown me a little more about myself. The teachers have really helped me make connections to other people and develop my skills. I'm grateful for the experience and for everything NPC Friends and Family has done for me to keep my education on track."
Micah is a first-generation college student and balances pursuing her education while raising three young children. Her husband is a wildland firefighter and is regularly called away to long assignments. "It was difficult at first,” she admits. “With no family support, I felt especially overwhelmed,” she said. But she persevered. “Juggling all the commitments on my own has deepened my sense of resilience and accomplishment.”Micah has maintained academic excellence and will graduate this spring with her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue her bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree in special education.
“The support of scholarships lifts the financial burden and makes the struggle a little less stressful," she said. "NPC has contributed so much to my education. From the dedicated and caring teachers, who encouraged and supported me and often saw my potential before I saw it in myself, to the financial support, I am so grateful."
LEARN ABOUT OUR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS!
NPC Friends & Family's Named and Memorial Scholarships
NPC's Memorial Scholarships are founded on the memory of beloved contributors and special friends of Northland Pioneer College. These generous scholarships are provided to qualifying NPC students and are gifted by the family and friends of the loved ones we have lost. Each of these individuals held a special place in their hearts for the students at Northland Pioneer College and loved education. This passion for education continues in their name...
• The VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship:
The VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship was established by her fire captain in memory of Valeree Reidhead Claude, a Pinetop, AZ firefighter who passed away on duty. Provides full tuition and fees for students pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Technology.
• The Charles E. Lisitzky Memorial Scholarship:
The Charles E. Lisitzky Memorial Scholarship continues the work of Mr. Lisitzky, a Holbrook, AZ businessman, by providing a $1,000 scholarship each semester to a Navajo, Hopi, or White Mountain Apache student.
• The Mary Kay Smith Lindy Nursing Scholarship:
The Mary Kay Smith Lindy Nursing Scholarship honors the memory of "Kay" Smith Lindy by providing $1,000 each semester to a Native American student in NPC's Nursing program. Kay spent her entire career in nursing and nurse education and found her experiences with nurses on the Navajo Nation to be among the most rewarding in her life.
• The Jon Graff, PhD, Scholarship Fund:
The Jon Graff, PhD, Scholarship Fund was established by Dr. Jon C. Graff to provide three $500 scholarships each semester - one to a university-bound student, one to a student in Career and Technical Education, and one to a student in College and Career Prep. Dr. Graff was a lifelong champion of education, and in establishing his scholarship fund, he left no student out.
• The Pres Winslow Memorial Scholarship:
The Pres Winslow Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Charles Prescott "Pres" Winslow, a former NPC district governing board member and perennial volunteer in Winslow Unified School District through $1,000 scholarships, awarded each semester.
• The Jennifer Lee Witt Memorial Scholarship:
The Jennifer Lee Witt Memorial Scholarship awards three $1,000 scholarships each semester. The scholarship was established in memory of this beloved professor of English and Creative Writing. Past awardees have included students that Jennifer taught, and her influence was felt through their scholarship essays.
• The Arvin Palmer, PhD, Memorial Scholarship:
The Arvin Palmer, PhD, Memorial Scholarship was established by the family of Dr. Palmer, who was an NPC Vice President, and was instrumental in the founding of the college. He even authored a book, "Northland Pioneer College, the First Twenty-Five Years," an invaluable record of the college's history. Each year, $1,000 is awarded to a graduate of Snowflake High School.
• The Taking Flight Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Eric B. Henderson:
The Taking Flight Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Eric B. Henderson was established by the family and friends of Dr. Henderson, who served NPC for many years as both faculty and dean. His legacy is preserved through this scholarship, which provides $1,500 each year to an NPC graduate who is matriculating to a residential baccalaureate program - Taking Flight to the next chapter in their lives.
• The Martin Lucas Memorial Scholarship
Established by the family and friends of Martin Lucas in honor of his servant’s heart, dedication to the community, and special empathy for those whose lives are affected by disabilities. Martin was a longtime resident of Snowflake and worked for over thirty years as a barber in Phoenix and Snowflake. Hallie, his wife of fifty years, retired from NPC after over nineteen years at the college.
On Sunday, August 7, 2022, Martin passed away. Because he was a servant leader, with a loving heart for his family, friends, and community, Hallie and his family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to NPC Friends and Family to establish a scholarship in his memory. Donations of almost $2,000 were made in his honor.
Martin had a special place in his heart for those with disabilities, recognizing some of the challenges that a person with a disability endures, as well as what their families experience as they adapt and support their loved ones.
• The Marta and Louis Smith Memorial Scholarship
Martia A. Smith was an artist and scholar who served as an instructor and major contributor to NPC's art program. Her husband Louis established a generous endowment fund to honor her memory by awarding a full scholarship to a highly motivated, academically and artistically talented NPC student each year. Louis Smith passed away in December 2020, so now his memorial tribute honors both of them.
Questions
Contact NPC Friends & Family (928) 536-6245 | or email NPCFF@npc.edu
