NPC_presidentWelcome to the latest issue of NPC’s CareerFocus magazine, a semiannual opportunity for us to share how the college and its community partners play a vital role in providing affordable educational opportunities to all residents of Navajo and Apache Counties.

On these pages you will find students’ success stories, an overview of our Early Childhood and Construction programs, the importance of meeting with an academic adviser, the economic benefits of earning an associate degree, scholarships available to students through NPC Friends & Family and a synopsis of the various programs and degrees offered by Northland Pioneer College.

NPC students are as diverse as the many cultures and communities we serve. You’ll find high school students taking college-level general education and vocational training courses. There are the traditional college-age students and adults of all ages returning to the classroom. Some students come from families with previous college experience. Others are first-generation college students.

Enrolling in NPC classes is the first step. Completing that first class is a huge leap forward. As each national job-readiness certification is earned or core course is completed, our communities become better prepared to supply the well-educated, skilled workers that industry and other local employers need.

It is my hope that you will be inspired to become one of the thousands who have transformed their lives with the education they received at NPC. I encourage you to explore our online schedule (www.npc.edu/class-schedule), which we constantly update to reflect available courses. Our website (www.npc.edu) is also filled with additional information about college events, programs and services. And you’re always welcome to stop by any of NPC’s nine locations, where our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you meet your career and educational goals.

— Dr. Jeanne Swarthout, President