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Elevate academic excellence

Workforce ready students

Ensuring students are 100%
Career Ready

NAU students don’t just earn degrees—they gain skills and life experiences that translate directly to careers and lives of purpose. We want every student to graduate not only with a degree, but with real-world experience, mentorship, and the critical skills needed to succeed. Through hands-on learning, research, and internships, Lumberjacks are connected directly to workforce needs and gain confidence to thrive in rapidly evolving industries.

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100% Career ready initiative

Preparing students for careers of consequence

NAU is committed to awarding 100,000 people an NAU credential by 2035—each one designed to prepare students for sustainable, purpose-driven careers.

Our 100% Career Ready initiative brings that vision to life through internships, research, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities that translate directly to the workforce.

These experiences don’t just enhance learning—they are proven to dramatically improve graduation rates and career outcomes. Students who participate in research are twice as likely to graduate in four years and ten times more likely in six. They also earn higher grades and develop critical skills employers value—like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication.

100k

NAU is committed to awarding 100,000 people an NAU credential by 2035

2x

Students who participate in research are twice as likely to graduate in four years

10x

Students who participate in research are ten times more likely to graduate in six years

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“At a time when prospective students, current students, and families are asking about the value of college degrees, we’re going to be sure they’re getting a robust return on their investment of time and money.” Karen Pugliesi Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Read about NAU’s Career Readiness

WHY GIVE

Elevate academic programs

Academic programs fuel our students’ preparedness for the future. Your support equips them with real-word experience, mentorship, and critical skills they need to live lives of purpose.

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Stories of impact

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Three adults stand in an office; one man hands a check to another man while a woman stands beside them, all in front of bookshelves.
Academic excellence

$5.2 million gift advances STEM success at NAU

The funds provide support for STEM students and faculty through scholarships, housing assistance, and math readiness programming.
A woman and a man shake hands in an office. The man holds a folder and wears a polo shirt with a logo. They are standing next to a desk with office supplies and paperwork.
Academic excellence

100% Career Ready initiative equips students with real-world skills 

With a focus on value, the initiative helps every NAU student turn education into opportunity.
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Academic excellence

Fueled by generosity

Alumni gift takes engineering students from concept to competition.