AISES has received a $1.32 million contribution from Intel to support undergraduate and graduate scholarships for Native Americans. The support is part of a partnership between Intel and AISES to increase the number and success of Native American students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

In October 2016, Intel hosted a thought leadership event in partnership with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). The event brought together key leaders in academia, government; tribal nations; nonprofit organizations, including AISES; and the tech industry to facilitate constructive collaboration aimed at increasing Native American leadership in STEM.

From this convening, Intel produced a white paper outlining six key recommendations for increasing Native American student participation and retention in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. Based on the recommendations from the white paper, Intel has made a tremendous four-year commitment to support the “Growing the Legacy” scholarship program at AISES to support 40 Native American university students every year for four years by providing them with financial support, Intel mentors, paid internships, and an Intel job upon successful graduation. Students who are awarded will receive scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per academic year. The inaugural scholarship application is open through May 1, 2017.

In addition to scholarship support, Intel and AISES are planning to develop culturally-appropriate computer science curriculum for Native American high school students.