Bill Overview
Title: Diné College Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill authorizes Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, to receive all federal funding and resources for its operation, improvement, and growth. Diné College serves the higher education needs of the Navajo people.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: Navajo people, especially prospective and current students of Diné College
Estimated Size: 300000
- Diné College primarily serves the Navajo Nation, which is the largest Native American tribe in the United States.
- The Navajo Nation spans about 27,000 square miles across parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.
- With federal funding, Diné College will be able to expand its facilities and programs, potentially attracting more Navajo students.
- The improved educational infrastructure will benefit current and prospective students at Diné College, as well as the surrounding communities.
Reasoning
- Dinè College serves the Navajo Nation, which is a population that might gain significantly from increased educational opportunities.
- Increased funding could result in improved facilities, more programs, and possibly scholarships, which might attract more students.
- The Navajo community has diverse needs, some may not be directly related to higher education, so some members may not see immediate benefits.
- The impact on Cantril scores varies depending on how directly the investment in education affects individuals' perceived quality of life.
Simulated Interviews
High school student (Chinle, AZ)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have always wanted to go to college, and having more support at Diné College makes it more possible for me.
- Education is important for me and my community, knowing that there would be improved resources makes me hopeful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (Tuba City, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An expansion of programs at Diné College would benefit many of my students.
- Education is a powerful tool for the next generation of Navajo people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College student (Window Rock, AZ)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might bring more scholarships or reduce tuition.
- I hope the changes will come soon enough to help me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Construction worker (Gallup, NM)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy doesn’t directly affect my current job situation.
- I hope this encourages younger people to aim for higher education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small business owner (Shiprock, NM)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more educated members in the community may help local businesses.
- I hope some improvements in business courses could directly assist my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Farmington, NM)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m glad to see my alma mater receiving more recognition and support.
- I hope the college maintains its cultural focus while expanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Unemployed (Navajo, NM)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A better Diné College might offer me new career options.
- I need to check the courses they will offer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Part-time worker (Flagstaff, AZ)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe more funding will help recent grads like me find better job prospects.
- I appreciate seeing my college grow, but I need immediate job options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
High school student (Kayenta, AZ)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased funding could help me become a teacher one day through better programs.
- Education is the key to a better life for our people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Professor (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing this bill pass is encouraging for all Native institutions.
- We need to continue pushing for equitable educational opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $35500000 (Low: $30500000, High: $40500000)
Year 3: $36000000 (Low: $31000000, High: $41000000)
Year 5: $37000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $42000000)
Year 10: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $55000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- Diné College serves a unique cultural and educational role within the Navajo Nation, requiring adjusted estimates to reflect cultural sensitivities and needs.
- Costs include not only education but also potential community development initiatives associated with tribal college expansions.