Six NMTech students receive Grit & Grind scholarships

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute awarded six students $500 each during the Grit & Grind Scholarship Awarding Ceremony held last Feb. 20 at the Vino Bar of Aqua Resort Saipan.

The recipients were Joshua T. Cruz, Keith Johnson, Emilita Dalusong, Josephine Lizama, Dylan James Lizama, and Jacob Jude Lizama.

The Grit & Grind Scholarship Program was introduced to support both new and ongoing students for the Spring 2026 semester. It is designed to assist students who have chosen to pursue careers in technical trades.

Applicants were required to submit a one-page essay titled “Why I chose a career in the trades” as part of the application process. Registration for the Spring 2026 semester associated with the scholarship began in January 2026.

“Today, we are proud to award scholarships to six outstanding students,” said Katrina Lizama, marketing specialist at NMTech. “Each recipient will receive $500 toward their tuition at NMTech, made possible by two incredible partners who believe in investing locally and empowering the next generation.”

The Northern Marianas Insurance Association supported two recipients, while Glimpses of Guam funded four scholarships. The Guam Contractors Association was also recognized for helping oversee NMTech’s NCCR accreditation to ensure programs meet national standards.

Gol Corpuz, president of the Northern Marianas Insurance Association, said the group was pleased to support the initiative.

“We’re very privileged and honored to partner with NMTI for this, you know, way of helping our students who are looking at having the career in skilled kind of job,” Corpuz said. “And we at the insurance association, actually, one of our objectives is to promote education. And we believe in the potential of our students here.

“And of course, we’re looking forward to keep them, not go out. So again, you know, congratulations to the students and also to NMTI for having us partner with you. Thank you so much.”

Keith Johnson, 15, said he is the youngest in his class and is currently taking Core Fundamentals as a prerequisite to electrical courses.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always been really interested in electronics and computers and electricity,” Johnson said. “I want to find a way to make my interests align with potential job opportunities in the future.”

He said their recent lessons include studying blueprints and general construction safety.

“The book that we’re studying has information on all of the construction trades and a lot of general construction safety as well,” he said. “Just general safety precautions that can be applied even outside of a job.”

Asked what the scholarship meant to him, Johnson said, “This allows me to take the core class, and then after that I’ll be able to do the various levels of electrical. I’m definitely looking forward to that. So, thank you.”

Emilita Dalusong, 46, who is enrolled in culinary, said, “Thank you for the sponsorship. I was surprised by this one.”

Josephine Lizama, 19, said, “I just want to say thank you for your sponsorship. I’m very grateful and I appreciate it.”

Dylan James Lizama, 19, who is also taking Core Fundamentals, said he is “thankful and grateful to attend NMTech.”

Jacob Jude Lizama, 40, is taking Core Fundamentals as a step toward a career in welding.

“What got me into pursuing the NMTech career is basically, I wanted to pursue welding,” Lizama said.

He described the experience as positive, citing the flexible schedule.

“The flexible hours are, I guess, the key, since I also work for an agency,” he said, adding that he works at the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality.

On his future plans, Lizama said part of it is “giving back to our community.”

“I’m going to see what welding can do, regardless of agency or just as a resident,” he said, adding that starting his own business “could be” part of his retirement plan.

He encouraged others to enroll.

“It’s open to anybody. It doesn’t matter the age. It’s never too late to try and go for it,” Lizama said.

“We’re proud of our students for choosing the trades and committing themselves to building real skills,” said NMTech CEO Jodina Attao. “With the support of our partners, we’re helping them take the next step toward meaningful careers here at home.”

She added that a career in the trades is especially important with the 2029 deadline for the end of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program fast approaching.

Attao also gave a shoutout to Northern Marianas Insurance Association and Glimpses of Guam for sponsoring the six Grit & Grind Scholarship students.

In closing, NMTech’s Lizama thanked the partners and students.

“Thank you for choosing to learn trades, for showing up every day, and for believing in yourselves,” she said. “To our partners, thank you for investing in our students, our workers, and our community. Your support makes moments like this possible.”