NOVA Corp adds money to scholarship fund
Starting in the fall of 2011, NOVA Corp. will be adding another $75,000 to its scholarship program for Navajo college students.
NOVA is an information technology business headquartered in Window Rock, Ariz., part of the Navajo Nation reservation, and is owned by the Navajo Nation itself. The company’s mission is two-pronged.
According to its website, NOVA provides information technology, meanwhile hoping to improve “the quality of life” of members of the Navajo Nation.
The original scholarship program was formed in 2009 with a $50,000 fund. That amount increases now by $75,000. But NOVA President and CEO John Snider explained that the fund won’t be completely depleted when the scholarships are given.
“We’ve structured it in a way that the program is self-sustaining,” Snider said, “We won’t give out all the money in scholarships, some of it will roll back into the fund.”
Through investing or donations, the used money will be replaced for future use.
The scholarship will be invested directly in those students who are pursuing professions in the same market as NOVA like Engineering, Information Technology, Business, Communications or Computer Science. Some of the recipients of the scholarship may even work for NOVA someday.
“We’re interested in visiting the campuses of the students and getting to know them, because we want to hire them in the future,” Snider said.
This meets NOVA’s goal of helping members of the Navajo Nation, as well as builds up the company itself. In fact, Snider believes that soon, the ideas behind NOVA won’t be uncommon.
“This is great for our company and I think you’ll see more programs like this in the future,” Snider said.
The deadline for applications to the program is Feb. 28. Students must be enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, show a Certificate of Indian blood, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be pursuing degrees in applicable fields. Applicants must also write a 500 to 800 word essay.
The program is open to high school students, college students or professional adults who are returning to their education. Students from low-income families will receive special consideration.
