President Nygren Signs Diné Higher Education Act Reauthorizing $19M Annually

At the Navajo Nation President’s Office in Window Rock, President Buu Nygren signed Legislation No. 0169-25, the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act, reauthorizing $19,000,000 annually and directing $6,000,000 to Navajo Technical University, $6,000,000 to Diné College, and $7,000,000 to the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance. The signing took place during a ceremony attended by NTU leadership and Diné College representatives and was presented as a renewal and expansion of a program first enacted in 2004.

The reauthorization was sponsored in the Navajo Nation Council by Delegate Andy Nez with Delegate Carl R. Slater listed as co-sponsor, and the measure passed with unanimous support at the 25th Navajo Nation Council Winter Session. President Nygren signed the legislation into law on Friday, February 13, 2026, restoring an authorization that had expired in Fiscal Year 2025 and formally increasing the grant fund’s annual level to $19,000,000.

Diné College and NTU press materials detail how the boost changes institutional and student support. Diné College reported per-entity increases of $1,800,000 for NTU, $1,200,000 for Diné College, and $3,500,000 for ONNSFA. Sources variably described the prior annual total as $12,000,000 and as $12,400,000; the reauthorization establishes $19,000,000 as the new annual appropriation going forward.

NTU President Dr. Elmer Guy framed the signing as a long-term investment in community capacity: “Our special appreciation goes to Delegate Andy Nez for his leadership and dedication,” Guy said. “This investment reflects our shared belief that education is the foundation of a strong and self-sustaining Navajo Nation. When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of our communities.” NTU Board President Tara Denetsosie-Lovato said it “it was encouraging to see the three entities working together to secure approval of the legislation, noting that many ONNSFA recipients benefit from programs offered at the institutions.”

President Nygren emphasized tribal institutions as the priority for public investment and praised the Council’s unanimity. “The best place we can invest is in our own institutions,” Nygren said. “I am grateful to Delegate Andy Nez and the Navajo Nation Council for their unanimous support. When it comes to our students, there are no disputes. We must provide the best resources and opportunities possible to ensure their success.” In a Diné College release, Nygren added, “This is a proud day for our Nation. Increasing funding from $12 million to $19 million demonstrates our commitment to education and to our students’ futures.”

ONNSFA Director Rose Graham outlined how the boost could expand student access and completion. “I want to acknowledge the 25th Navajo Nation Council for their dedication to this initiative,” Ms. Graham said. “Our students are dedicated to finishing their degree programs. For many, their journey takes more than four years. This initiative ensures more students can access the resources they need. We’re excited to see the positive impact on our students’ futures.” ONNSFA data cited in release materials note the office awarded $25.5 million in 2024, of which $3.88 million came from Navajo Nation grant funds, and that ONNSFA served 6,426 students in 2024.

Officials at the signing included Dr. Elmer Guy, former NTU Board President Tom Platero, NTU Board President Tara Denetsosie-Lovato, leaders from Diné College, ONNSFA representatives, and Department of Diné Education participants. NTU’s communications office listed Clinton Desiderio, Director of Communications, for media inquiries at clintdesiderio@navajotech.edu, and at least one photo from the event was credited Photo/NTU.

The Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act reauthorization marks a legislative reset of a program first funded beginning Fiscal Year 2006 and intended by sponsors to shore up higher-education pathways for Navajo students at NTU, Diné College, and through ONNSFA scholarships. Delegate Andy Nez reflected on the decades-long effort: “Over 20 years ago, the Navajo Nation Council planted a seed. Over time, that seed has been watered and nourished by many leaders and advocates. I am honored to be part of a team that has reflected on our past efforts and replanted for the future,” Nez said. “May our students continue to grow and thrive – they are the cornerstone of our Nation’s progress.”