Funding by Area
Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
Ignite innovation across industries
In the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, students prepare for future-focused careers through interdisciplinary study, hands-on experience, and a drive to create real-world impact. Whether you choose to support scholarships, cutting-edge research, or community outreach, your investment helps shape engineers ready to lead, innovate, and make a difference.
Access for students
Expanding Access Fund
Fundraising goal: $1 million
When talent and drive shape a student’s success, we all benefit. The Expanding Access Fund empowers all students by covering travel to conferences, exam fees, graduate assistantships, and bringing industry experts to campus. Your support opens doors to critical experiences and resources that help students gain skills, grow their networks, and thrive in their careers.
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.
Access for students
STEM Summer Camps
Fundraising goal: $50,000 per camp
Our STEM summer camps introduce middle schoolers
to engineering through fun, hands-on topics like robotics, 3D game design, and microchip technology. Your gift will name and fund one of our camps for five years, opening doors for youth in Flagstaff and neighboring communities at a pivotal moment in their educational journey.
elevate academic excellence
Robotics Institute
Fundraising goal: $6 million
Rapid advancements in AI, automation, and sensor technology are transforming industries from agriculture to healthcare. The global robotics market is projected to more than double between 2024 and 2029. A Robotics Institute would position NAU as a regional leader in this critical field—and your investment will help bring it to life. Your support will fund cutting-edge equipment, faculty research, and give students access to advanced robotics tools and immersive, project-based learning.
elevate academic excellence
Experiential Learning
Fundraising goal: $250,000
From designing formula-style race cars to conducting field-based research or interning abroad, students in the College of Engineering engage in complex, open-ended challenges that mirror the real world. Your support helps fund study abroad, capstone projects, student club activities, undergraduate research, and other applied learning experiences that build confidence and sharpen problem-solving skills.
elevate academic excellence
Math Readiness and Student Access
Fundraising goal: $100,000
Math is the foundation of engineering, but it’s often the reason students leave the field. At the College of Engineering, we’re changing that. By contextualizing math instruction through real-world engineering problems—like using calculus to optimize energy use in smart buildings—we help students stay engaged and persist to graduation. Your investment supports this curricular innovation and provides stipends so students can get the technical help they need without choosing between academics and a paycheck.
elevate academic excellence
Endowed Faculty
Fundraising goal: $500,000
Exceptional students need exceptional faculty. Your investment in endowed positions helps the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering recruit and retain accomplished teacher-scholars who inspire students, build meaningful community partnerships, and generate research that informs real change.
“A gift is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the future of engineering education and an investment in the bright minds that will drive innovation and progress in our society.” Steve Sanghi Honorary Doctorate, ’19Read more about the college naming
Stories of impact
View all
Coding workshop expands computer science skills to rural Arizona communities
Project Let’s Talk Code trains teachers to implement coding in their existing curriculum.
Jordan Strohmeyer engineers his own path
This NAU student is building the foundation for a career that bridges music and engineering.
Fueled by generosity
Alumni gift takes engineering students from concept to competition.