After an in-depth study focusing on four major interdependent factors of the Navajo social system (the Origin Myth and the general mythology basic to the religious/medical practices, the economy, political system, and education), Project HOPE agreed, in cooperation with the college, to establish and implement an Associate of Arts nursing program at the Navajo Community College. HOPE also agreed to meet the following objectives over a 4 1/2 year period: provide a curriculum design based on the Navajos' health and education needs; provide a flexible program which would allow the student to complete requirements in 24 to 36 months at his own speed; implement a program which would comply with the Arizona State laws and "Rules and Regulations of the Board of Nursing"; demonstrate that nurse education on the reservation is culturally and economically preferable to education off the reservation; and encourage and assist students to enter higher levels of education in preparation for leadership roles. The college agreed to provide supportive academic courses and necessary developmental studies. In September 1970, 15 students were admitted to the program, including both Navajo and Hopi Indians. The program's experimental phase was concluded in March 1973, as the first five students graduated from the program. Conclusions made at that time provided the basis for continuing curriculum development and program implementation. This paper describes how HOPE's commitment to the Navajo was fulfilled at the college and surveys briefly some factors of the Navajo sociocultural system which affected the program and its faculty and students. (NQ)