Arizona

Volunteering: Navajo Nation Schools

Program No. 6262RSBLOG
There’s a Navajo proverb that says “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Give back as you volunteer in schools on the Navajo Reservation.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Assist the students and educators from the Tuba City School District on the Navajo Reservation, grades K-8th, where many families continue to burn wood for warmth, haul water and use generators for electricity. Learn about educational challenges on the Navajo Nation. The only requirement of volunteers is flexibility and adaptability.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Easy walking around lodge and school on mostly paved and flat surfaces. Elevations of 4,200 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the rewards of helping students and working with teachers as you interact with children and educational staff in a classroom setting.
  • Enjoy a field trip to explore additional aspects of Navajo/Diné culture and a visit to the weekly market in Tuba City featuring traditional foods and crafts.
  • Evening programs on Navajo/Diné culture provide additional insight into the challenges faced by tribal members.

General Notes

Schools on the Navajo Reservation require volunteers to have a current State Of Arizona Fingerprint Clearance card before entering the schools. Information on this requirement will be sent to participants approximately 6 months prior to the program start date. /// Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
James Bilagody
James Bilagody has been entertaining Road Scholar participants with his stories, wit, and music for many years. He has twice been nominated for the Native American Music Awards, as well as having received consideration for a Grammy Award. Skilled in both percussion and guitar, James is able to fuse traditional Navajo storytelling and culture into a modern perspective and sound.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of James Bilagody
James Bilagody View biography
James Bilagody has been entertaining Road Scholar participants with his stories, wit, and music for many years. He has twice been nominated for the Native American Music Awards, as well as having received consideration for a Grammy Award. Skilled in both percussion and guitar, James is able to fuse traditional Navajo storytelling and culture into a modern perspective and sound.
Profile Image of Tracy Kee
Tracy P. Kee View biography
Tracy Kee, a native of the Deep South, grew up primarily in Tennessee. During her time working for a study abroad program in Italy, she met her full-blood Navajo husband, Eric, while he was teaching English to Italians. In 2007, after marrying, Tracy moved to the Navajo reservation. Tracy taught part-time business and computer classes at Diné College in Tuba City, AZ for many years. They have three children and enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities in northern Arizona.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner