American Indian Science and Engineering Society

American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a national organization that aims to promote the advancement of Native American students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Founded in 1977 by a group of Native American professionals, including Tribal College graduates, the organization has grown to become a leading advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in STEM education. The organization's efforts are supported by partners such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Department of Energy. The society also collaborates with other organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

● History

The organization was established in 1977, with the first national conference held at the Purdue University campus, featuring keynote speakers such as Wilma Mankiller and Vine Deloria Jr.. The early years of the organization were marked by efforts to increase the representation of Native American students in STEM fields, with support from organizations such as the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and the National Congress of American Indians. The organization's history is also closely tied to the development of Tribal Colleges and Universities, such as Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. The society has also worked with other organizations, including the Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The organization's mission is to promote the advancement of Native American students in STEM fields, with a focus on increasing the number of Native American students pursuing higher education in these fields. The organization's objectives include providing Scholarships and Internships to Native American students, as well as promoting Cultural Competence and Diversity in STEM education. The organization also works to address the Achievement Gap in STEM education, with support from organizations such as the National Education Association and the American Indian Education Foundation. The society's efforts are guided by the principles of Self-Determination and Tribal Sovereignty, as outlined in the Tribal Sovereignty Act and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The organization offers a range of programs and initiatives to support Native American students in STEM fields, including the Seeds Program, which provides Mentorship and Career Guidance to students. The organization also offers Professional Development opportunities for educators and professionals, with support from organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the American Mathematical Society. The society's initiatives include the K-12 Initiative, which aims to increase the number of Native American students pursuing STEM education in K-12 Education. The organization also partners with other organizations, including the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, and the Intel Corporation, to provide Internships and Job Opportunities to Native American students.

● Membership_and_Chapters

The organization has a diverse membership, including Native American students, educators, and professionals from a range of STEM fields. The organization has chapters at colleges and universities across the United States, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The society's membership also includes professionals from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The organization's chapters are supported by advisors from organizations such as the American Indian Graduate Center and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

● Conferences_and_Awards

The organization hosts an annual national conference, which features keynote speakers such as Neil deGrasse Tyson and Mae Jemison. The conference also includes Workshops and Panel Discussions on topics such as Diversity and Inclusion in STEM education. The organization also presents awards to outstanding Native American students and professionals in STEM fields, including the AISES Scholarship Award and the AISES Professional of the Year Award. The society's awards are supported by organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

● Impact_and_Achievements

The organization has had a significant impact on the advancement of Native American students in STEM fields, with a growing number of Native American students pursuing higher education in these fields. The organization's efforts have also contributed to an increase in the number of Native American professionals in STEM fields, with support from organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The society's achievements include the development of Tribal College programs in STEM fields, such as the Haskell Indian Nations University Environmental Science program. The organization's impact is also reflected in the success of its alumni, who have gone on to work at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Category:Science and technology organizations