PROGRAMS
AGRICULTURE
There is a sign at the entrance of the farm that reads, “HIS Garden,” a reminder that the farm is a lesson book about our Creator. He is the One who brings life, and causes plants (and us) to grow and bear fruit. In our Agriculture program, students learn the science of growing vegetables. Produce grown on the farm, with the help of our students in agriculture classes, is served at meals in the cafeteria and sold to staff, community members, and at the Flagstaff Farmers’ Market.
Outdoor school
The Outdoor School program consists of one week of educational classes held in the great outdoors. Every year, students help plan the itinerary. As part of their experience, they also have the opportunity to learn how to navigate a city. Outdoor School allows students to visit new places, have experiences beyond the reservation, and form lasting relationships with the staff and each other, in addition to enjoying activities like canyoneering, kayaking, and whale watching.
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) goes beyond teaching students how to ride. Working with horses fosters social and emotional healing and growth. Many of our students who have experienced trauma have a mistrust of people and even themselves, but as they provide care for the horses, they begin to feel a connection with them. Fred Bruce, founder of EAL, taught students that, “You can say anything you want to a horse, and they’ll never tell anyone.”
college transition
First-generation students need extra support through the college enrollment process. Through the College Transition program, students have the opportunity to visit college campuses and receive assistance with applying for scholarships, enrolling in college, and arranging transportation. Our objective is not only to help prepare students for college, but also to provide them with the mentoring and support needed to succeed.
Summer Experience
The goal of the Summer Experience program is to continue to provide a safe haven, which many of students depend on, throughout the summer months. Rather than regressing or risking new traumas, students are provided a place where they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive. Students participate in camp meetings, summer camps, and work on campus. By the end of the summer, students have had the opportunity to experience fun activities, learn a good work ethic, and grow closer to God.
Mountain Biking
Studies have shown that physical activity improves brain function, which is beneficial in reducing and reversing the phenomenon known as the affective filter that is caused by high levels of trauma. An affective filter makes it impossible for students to learn and retain information. Physical activity, such as mountain biking, gives students the opportunity to feed their brain with the oxygen that it needs and challenges them to venture outside of their comfort zones.
INDIGENOUS ARTS
Keeping the rich traditions of American Indian culture alive is a key objective of the Indigenous Arts program at HIS. Pottery making, weaving, beading, Navajo government, American Indian history, and Diné (Navajo) language are integral to connecting our students to their rich cultural heritage, while graphic arts and design classes help develop students’ digital arts talents.
Music Education
The majority of our students have had little to no exposure to music outside of pop culture. Through music education, we aim to grow our students’ love for God, create a sense of community, and increase confidence in their ability to perform either through singing or playing an instrument.
Vocational Arts
Practical skills like carpentry, welding, and auto mechanics empower students to enter the workforce better prepared, as these skills are needed now more than ever. While most educational institutions are cutting back on vocational arts programs, HIS is amping up to ensure that students who elect to learn these vocations will have the best opportunity for success.
Counseling
Many of our students have experienced significant trauma and have abandonment and trust issues; some even have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our Counseling program provides on-site, Christian, licensed clinical counselors to help students overcome challenges that keep them from being able to learn and concentrate on their studies.