Senators Kelly and Sinema secured funding over $2.9M for Dine College’s CONNECT NAVAJO project

Arizona Senators secured funding to boost educational and economic opportunities on the Navajo Nation

(KYMA, KECY) - Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced $2,925,627 funding for Dine College's CONNECT NAVAJO Project that will help provide educational and economic opportunities to the Navajo Nation by improving internet access, providing more hardware and investing into information technology personnel.

“Access to computers and reliable internet is crucial to students’ success in the classroom. This grant will ensure Diné College students have access to new laptops, mobile hotspots, printing kiosks, as well as professional development training,” said Senator Kelly. 

“We’ll continue working to bridge the digital divide for the next generation of leaders and innovators on the Navajo Nation."

“Today’s critical funding will make a big difference for students on the Navajo Nation — expanding internet access, improving retention rate, and moving one step closer to closing the digital divide. I’m proud to help secure this necessary investment for Diné College,” said Senator Sinema.

The $2.9 million grant will be able to expand and improve internet access for students and the Navajo Nation and will provide new technology such as laptops and mobile hotspots.

Due to new technology, it will ensure online participation and information technology training to learn technical skills for members of the Navajo Nation.