A graduate of West Point High School in Avondale, Arizona, Dayana is the first recipient of the “Tu Futuro” scholarship program, part of Univision Arizona’s Contigo community empowerment initiative.
This scholarship, combined with the power of NAU’s Access2Excellence program which offers tuition-free education to Arizona residents with household incomes under $65,000 and to members of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes, covers Dayana’s tuition, fees, lodging, meals, and undergraduate expenses as she begins her academic journey at NAU.
When donors invest in scholarships, they open doors to higher education to all who wish to pursue it. Together, we can make higher education accessible and affordable for all.
Removing barriers
Bachelor’s degree holders earn 84 percent more over their lifetimes than those with only a high school diploma. Yet fewer than half of Arizona’s high school graduates are pursuing college. The biggest barrier to college isn’t a secret: It’s the cost.
For Dayana, who plans to major in business administration at The W. A. Franke College of Business, scholarship support means she can focus on her studies and fully immerse herself in college life.
“It opens doors not just for me, but for my entire family, since this is a journey none of us have ever experienced before,” she says. Last year, 40 percent of all NAU undergraduates identified as first-generation.
Today, more than 97 percent of NAU students receive financial aid—keeping the average Lumberjack graduate’s debt at nearly half the national average. Most NAU students who graduate on time see a return on their investment within three years of employment post-graduation.
Investing in future leaders
As Dayana explains, a degree isn’t just a personal goal: “It lays the foundation for a future dedicated to giving back to the community that helped me get to where I stand today.” She hopes to pursue a career in human resources, advocating for workplace equity, and eventually lead a nonprofit that uplifts marginalized communities and empowers youth, like her younger sister.
Thanks to scholarships fueled by the support of NAU alumni and donors, Dayana’s dream is no longer just about her future—it’s about creating a better future for others, too.
“A degree isn’t just a personal goal—it lays the foundation for a future dedicated to giving back to the community that helped me get to where I stand today.”
Dayana Amaya, ’29 Student, The W. A. Franke College of Business
Elevate scholarships support
Your investment in scholarships will help break down barriers. A gift of $50,000 supports one student for an academic year; $500,000 supports ten. Your generosity opens doors and gives students like Dayana the freedom to focus on learning.
