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Funding by Area

College of Education

Support tomorrow’s educators

In the College of Education, we train students who will go on to shape the lives of learners across Arizona and beyond. Whether you choose to support career readiness, community outreach, scholarships, or another area close to your heart, your investment helps turn today’s students into tomorrow’s educators.

A person with red hair stands at a whiteboard, pointing to a diagram of numbers and holding a marker.

Investing in the next generation of exceptional teachers

Through a named scholarship, Karen Butterfield supports the culturally responsive teachers and education leaders of tomorrow.

Read Karen’s story

Elevate access for students

Scholarships

Fundraising goal: $50,000

Every student deserves access to an excellent education—but for many, cost remains the greatest barrier. At NAU, 97 percent of students receive financial aid, ensuring that cost never stands in the way of ambition. A gift of $50,000 supports one student for an academic year; $500,000 supports ten. Your generosity opens doors and gives students the freedom to focus on learning.

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Elevate Access for Students

College onboarding in high schools

Fundraising goal: $250,000

The transition from high school to college is complex—especially for first-generation students and their families, who often face unfamiliar systems, terminology, and expectations. By partnering with Flagstaff-area high schools to recruit potential students, we can bridge that gap. Your support will expand this outreach, helping students and families understand academic culture, navigate university systems, and build confidence before becoming a Lumberjack.

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Elevate access for students

Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools

Fundraising goal: $1 million

Launched in 2022, Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools (PITAS) supports paraprofessionals, educational assistants, and others working in Native-serving schools as they earn their degrees in elementary education and become certified K–8 teachers—all while continuing to live and work in their communities.

In just three years, nearly 50 aspiring Indigenous educators have enrolled. To date, nearly 30 have graduated, with more to follow. A $1 million investment would fund the next five cohorts, producing 100 certified Indigenous teachers.

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A teacher and student sit at a desk with flashcards, smiling and giving each other a high five in a classroom with a world map in the background.

Elevate Academic Excellence

Early Learning and Development Center

Fundraising goal: $3 million

The Early Learning and Development Center (ELDC) supports the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of children ages 2 to 5 and serves as a dynamic learning environment where future educators can observe and teach.

Since opening, the ELDC has served 54 families and provides hands-on experience to 16 education majors each year. The center also supports low-income NAU student-parents. Your gift will allow the ELDC to serve more children and families, expand teaching opportunities, and ensure the center’s long-term success.

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Graduates in navy caps and gowns are seated at a ceremony; one cap is decorated with the phrase "Great teachers make great teachers.

Elevate Academic Excellence

100% Career Ready Initiative

Fundraising goal: $250,000

Help students step into their professional identities, sharpen their expertise, and enter the workforce with confidence. One powerful way this support makes a difference is by enabling graduate students to present their research at national conferences—a critical step in building their academic and professional careers.

With your support, we can ensure more students:

Build professional networks
Gain national visibility
Advance practice-informed research
Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration

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Elevate Faculty Impact

Center for STEM Teaching and Learning

Fundraising goal: $1 million

Through the Center for STEM Teaching and Learning (CSTL), faculty and professional staff provide hands-on, research-based professional development to K–12 teachers across Arizona. From STEM integration in classrooms to coaching, mentoring, and summer institutes, CSTL is a leader in STEM education support in Flagstaff and beyond. Your investment helps reach more educators and ensures students across Arizona have access to engaging, high-quality STEM learning.

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Unearthing potential across Arizona schools

Endowed faculty Rose Ylimaki co-founds Arizona LEADER program.

Elevate faculty impact

Endowed faculty

Fundraising goal: $500,000 minimum

At the College of Education, faculty members play a vital role in mentoring students, fostering community partnerships, and advancing innovative teaching practices. Your investment in endowed faculty positions helps us attract and retain top-tier faculty who inspire our students and drive impactful research.