CROWNPOINT, NM – Navajo Technical University (NTU) has joined other leading universities around the world to become a member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) University Network. NTU is the first tribal college and university (TCU) to be a part of the global initiative, which consists of higher education institutions and professionals who mentor and provide seed funding to student innovators and entrepreneurs on their respective campuses.

Support is at the center of the student-centered network, which also serves as a distinct global professional development opportunity for administrators and/or professors. University staff members from around the world connect through the network by sharing best practices and lessons learned in the spaces of social innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, career services, and civic engagement.

Now that NTU is a member of the CGI University Network, students are able to apply for the CGI University student program. The year-round program offers students the opportunity to participate in activities involving leadership development, mentorship, skills training, and partnership building. Selected students are also invited to participate in the CGI University Annual Meeting, where commitment makers across the world come together to learn how to turn ideas into action.

Since 2007, more than 7,000 commitments have been made through the CGI U Network and $4 million in funding has been awarded. CGI U commitments address specific challenges across five focus areas: Education, Environment and Climate Change, Poverty Alleviation, Peace and Human Rights, and Public Health. All five areas are relevant from the Navajo Nation’s perspective, which means students will be taking concrete steps toward solving real-world problems.

“Our students are currently working in different projects that address topics like climate change resiliency, clean drinking water problems in the Navajo Nation, environmental clean-up, and STEM education enhancement,” explained Dr. Abhishek RoyChowdhury, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Natural Resources at NTU. “They are receiving the trainings to develop their technical skills.”

“Now, by participating in the CGI U program, they will be receiving training on leadership development,” continued Dr. Roychowdhury, who is the liaison between the CGI University Network and NTU. “Our students will be trained to become leaders in their respective fields. They can give back their knowledge to their own communities. This will be a great learning opportunity for NTU students.”

The CGI U program is free for NTU students, but it is highly competitive. The application for CGI U’s 2021 program is January 15, 2021. For more information, contact Dr. RoyChowdhury at aroychowdhury@navajotech.edu.