USA Funds Life Skills Brings Money Management Concepts to Students on Reservation

Ed Curtis sees his role at Diné College on the sprawling Navajo Nation reservation as somewhat of a transition specialist. It’s his job — and the job of all faculty and staff members — to help students learn the skills they need to succeed at four-year universities as well as in the world outside the reservation.

A key part of his strategy is USA Funds^® Life Skills^®, a financial literacy program designed to help teach students to manage their money and time wisely while in school and
after graduation.

“I really like the practical concept of it,” says Curtis, a student development specialist who helps recruit, advise, counsel and provide career development services to the college’s 2,000 students. “USA Funds Life Skills focuses on how to save money and use money wisely not just when students are in school but throughout their whole lives.”

Curtis, who grew up on the 26,000-square-mile reservation and has worked at the college for 25 years, explains that education about the concept of saving money is not a focus in the Native American culture. “Everyone pitches in where necessary. If there’s a need to contribute to your family or another family, you help out,” he says. “We’re really trying to get across to the youth that money management is important.”

During August’s student orientation session at Diné College, Curtis asked USA Funds debt management consultant Bonnie Weaver to give a presentation based on USA Funds Life Skills Module 1, “Get a Grip on Your Finances — Smart Spending for Students.” More than 200 students and parents attended the presentation, which focused on the basics of money management and saving for the future, and Curtis says the response was positive.

Curtis says he now is considering using USA Funds Life Skills in different settings, including as a one-day workshop on campus, as part of a student success class, and as part of his summer residential program for high school students.

Diné College is located in Tsaile, Ariz., and serves students throughout the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation encompasses Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

Founded in 1968, the college was the nation’s first tribally controlled community college. About 200 students live on the main campus and another 250 are commuter students. Other students attend classes at one of the Arizona satellite centers in Tuba City, Chinle, Window Rock, Ganado and Kayenta, or the New Mexico branch in Shiprock or satellite center in Crownpoint, and some of them drive up to three hours to go to school.

Curtis says most students receive Pell Grants and scholarships through the Navajo Nation. About 50 percent of students go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees at state universities in Arizona and New Mexico.

“They do well after they leave here. Our campus gives them exposure, and it’s much easier for them to make the transition to a university or other college,” Curtis says. He notes that USA Funds Life Skills plays an important role in the Diné College experience.