Northland Pioneer College Friends and Family

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. 

See the testimonials below to learn about some of our amazing students!

Betsyann Wilson & Karen ZimmermanHelp build futures one donation at a time! 😀 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! 

Click here to learn about the scholarships you can contribute to!

Thank you for all you do to support NPC students! ❤

- Betsyann Wilson, Executive Director, NPC Friends & Family
- Karen Zimmerman, Development Coordinator, NPC Friends & Family

Testimonials

Graecyn Lewis
Graecyn LewisGraecyn grew up in Show Low, Arizona, and has always been a hard worker. She will graduate this spring at the top of her class. Graecyn has been raised by her mother and grandmother “NaNa,” who taught her that with hard work, anything is possible. She watched her mom work through obtaining her master’s degree while diligently working full-time and raising a family. Seeing her mom accomplish her dreams made Graecyn realize that she, too, could do anything she put her mind to. 

“The scholarships and support of NPC Friends and Family has been huge for me and my family,” she said. “It has lessened the financial burden, and I can now move on to completing my bachelor’s degree debt-free. My younger brothers are also determined to go to college, and I know that I have set a good example for them, as my mother did for me.”

Graecyn will graduate from NPC this spring and plans to continue her studies at Northern Arizona University (NAU). To attend school, she has wisely used her savings to set up a mobile trailer in the Flagstaff area where she will live with her dog, Bailey, as she attends college.

Rhiannon Walker
Rhiannon WalkerRhiannon grew up in the White Mountain Apache tribe and attends classes at NPC's Whiteriver Center. She knows what it means to struggle. She also knows the value of education. She has worked very hard to raise her two young sons on a single income. Carrying out the responsibilities of motherhood while juggling a full-time job and school is no small feat. She is now on track to graduate from NPC this spring and will be attending Arizona State University to obtain a degree in health sciences. She hopes to give back to her community by advocating for better healthcare, wellness education, and initiatives that will truly benefit the people of her homeland. 

“NPC is like a family; it is very close-knit and supportive. I have been blessed to have great people at NPC on my side through this journey. The scholarships through NPC Friends and Family are so beneficial. Without them, going to school was just a dream for me…, not really tangible. I want to set a good example to my sons, and without the assistance of scholarships, none of this would have been possible.”

Rivke Huma

Rivke Huma
Rivke is a first-generation college student and has overcome significant challenges to get to where she is today. Raised in the rural community of Dilkon, Arizona, her heritage is a rich blend of Diné (Ashįįhí) and Egyptian roots, with her father hailing from the Yemassee (Głáshchį́) tribe of Georgia. Her journey has been defined by perseverance, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. After serving four years in the United States Navy, she faced the difficult reality of post-traumatic stress related to her military service. Determined to heal and grow, Rivke fought through her battles. On the advice of her VA counselor, she set out to do something she never thought she would do. Go back to school.

“Everyone at NPC has been so supportive and encouraging. The guidance they have given is invaluable. The thought of attending school was intimidating at first. But going to NPC feels very welcoming. Everyone at NPC is very invested in their students. The people at NPC truly care about their students. With the scholarships, I have the help I need to keep going forward with my studies. I feel loved and like nothing can stop me now.”

She will graduate from NPC this spring and plans to attend NAU to study construction and project management with a focus on humanitarian projects and sustainable development.