Sinema, Kelly Announce Investment in Navajo Technical University from CHIPS Law

May 17, 2023

Senators shaped CHIPS and Science Act to boost funding for the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Development Awards 

WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced that Navajo Technical University received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines Development Award, which was created and funded by Sinema and Kelly’s CHIPS and Science Act.   
 
“Arizona leads the nation in innovation. We’re proud to continue our leadership by securing key investments boosting manufacturing and technological development in tribal communities, fueling a healthy Arizona economy,” said Sinema. 
 
“The CHIPS and Science Act is delivering another win for Arizona. This funding will provide critical economic development opportunities for the Navajo Nation and affirm our tribal communities’ role in furthering Arizona’s leadership in advanced manufacturing,” said Kelly, who served on the bipartisan conference committee which negotiated the CHIPS and Science Act.
 
The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act – which Sinema and Kelly shaped and led into law – modernizes the federal government’s approach to science, improves the NSF, grows the STEM workforce, and expands our country’s global leadership in innovation, research, and development. The bill also included Senator Kelly’s $52 billion plan to rebuild our domestic microchip manufacturing capacity and create thousands of great paying jobs in Arizona – many of which do not require a four-year degree. 
 
Sinema and Kelly’s law authorizes the NSF Engines program to advance job and technological opportunities in communities across the country. Today’s award to Navajo Technical University creates these opportunities in tribal communities in Arizona and New Mexico. 
 
Navajo Technical University is committed to offering quality technical, vocational, and academic degrees, and community education in student oriented, hands-on learning. 

 
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