Pre-College Programs

The focus of the Pre-College Program is “Awareness and Retention.” AISES engages in a multitude of programs and events that aim to ensure students are given exposure to first-rate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and events. These experiences and opportunities support students in discovering, pursuing, and sustaining their interest in STEM as they prepare for their college careers and beyond.

The Pre-College Program supports early childhood through high school education and students in STEM studies through teacher training, regional science bowls, science fairs, leadership development, mentorship, scholarships, internships and other programming designed to support students and their families.

Pre-College Programs

National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair

The National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF) is an annual event for 5th to 12th grade students. The NAISEF is an affiliated fair with the Society for Science and the Public (SSP) affiliated science fair and is part of the larger SSP fair network. The NAISEF differs from other SSP-affiliated fairs in that it is an in-person and virtual fair.

AISES awards prizes to senior and junior division winners. As well as, awards travel and registration stipends for the Senior Division Grand Award winners and their sponsors to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Learn More

2022 NAISEF Winners

Senior Division Awards

NAISEF Winner and Regeneron Biotechnology Award Recipient

Desmon Boykin photoDesmon Boykin (Nanticoke) 

The Effects of Casein Biopolymers in Combination with Activated Charcoal on the Filtration of Contaminated Well Water

As a member of the Nanticoke Tribe, I am acutely aware that my tribe, along with many other tribes throughout the continent, face a continuous problem due to contamination of their natural water resources. Much of the contamination comes from nearby industrial plants which often dump waste into the local water sources. The objective of this experiment is to enhance the performance of a charcoal filtration system using casein powder. It is hypothesized that: if powdered casein is used in conjunction with charcoal as a filter for well-water, then the levels of heavy metals and E. coli bacteria will be lower than they are in water only filtered with charcoal. This is presumed because casein contains four different types of coil strands, αs1- Casein, αs2-Casein, β-Casein, and κ-Casein. The properties of these strains include coils containing two non-polar hydrophobic ends with a polar and hydrophilic center, another containing two dipolar ends, a random coil containing positive s-ions, and a final coil strand that surrounds the other forms of casein to create the entire Casein Micelle. The purpose of this experiment is to observe the filtration properties of casein in conjunction with activated charcoal to remove nitrates and E. coli. It is presumed that the tightly woven properties of the κ-Casein may entrap any E. coli bacteria attempting to pass through. It is also presumed that the structural components of β-Casein containing positive ions may bind with the nitrates and other negative ions during filtration. Though the Casein-Activated Charcoal filter did not completely remove E. coli, the E. coli content was reduced by 44% by the end of filtration. In regard to Nitrates, Nitrites, Hydrogen Sulfide, Manganese, and Alkalinity, Casein was able to filter out these aforementioned contaminants with more efficiency than when compared to Activated Charcoal. This was determined through the use of a Well Water Testing Kit in PPM (parts per million).

National Geographic Society, Cultivating Empathy for the Earth Award Recipient

Anabaah Nelson imageAnabaah Nelson (Navajo) - "Mycelium Growth in Martian Soil Simulant"

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus and is composed of thread-like filaments which web to create a network of roots that absorbs, digests, and decomposes nutrients from its surrounding ecosystem. By using their natural digestive abilities, the enzymes certain mycelia produce can even degrade complex compounds into simpler byproducts, unraveling long chains of molecules into more easily digestible forms for other organisms. Able to grow most anywhere, the immense value of mycelium does not end there. In many ecosystems, it is the foundation, and its natural processes support most surrounding life. More specifically, mycelia releases minerals and other organic molecules found in dead organic matter back into the soil, recycles rare nutrients to be later redistributed, provides plants with which it has mycorrhizal relationships nutrients that are normally inaccessible to them, and allows for new entities/bodies to take the place of dead matter. In other words, remove mycelia from an environment and the ecosystem is no longer able to function. But what can be said about the inverse? If there is a previously uninhabitable environment where you successfully integrate mycelium, can life now be sustained? In order to answer this question, this experiment is aimed at attempting to sustain mycelium growth in a Martian dirt simulant with high CO2 air content. Not only would this shed light on the true potential of mycelium, but also scratch the surface of Martian colonization and hint at solutions to successful human habitation.

The Energy Challenge (EC) is an energy-specific engineering and science fair, where 6th to 12th grade students use a two-phase process to create a real-world energy solution!

The top solutions are awarded a trip to Washington, D.C. to receive their awards, present their projects to Indian Affairs leadership, and participate in educational activities during their stay in our nation’s capital. EC is possible with the partnership of Northrop Grumman.

Learn More

2019 Energy Challenge Grand Prize Winners:

13 Energy Challenge engineering projects were submitted by 26 students either individually or as a team from the following schools:

  • Chinle High School
  • Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
  • Lapwai High School
  • Lapwai Middle School
  • Mescalero Apache School

Of those students, the three individual Grand Prize Winners selected were:

  • Anna Grondolsky (Native Hawaiian) - Testing Reversible Fuel Cells with Various Electrolytes and Catalysts
  • Jake Uyechi  (Native Hawaiian) -  Methods to Produce Graphene for Use in Electronics
  • Joshua Parker - Portable Hydropower Generator in Sluice Gates

About Our Partner, Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in technology, working to break new boundaries to protect and advance humanity.    

Visit Northrop Grumman online at: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

 

SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science

AISES has partnering with Micron, Resolution Copper, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, General Motors (GM), Motorola, National Security Agency (NSA), to bring the popular SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science program to your school!

The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in STEM+CS program is a fun coding program that combines STEM and computer science (STEM+CS) to increase the awareness, interest, and competency in STEM+CS among Indigenous K-12 students. The SPRK program uses cutting edge technology, powered by Sphero BOLT robots, that gets students out of their seats to experience real-world applications with hands-on STEM activities that incorporate their culture. Through the generous support of our funders, AISES will select schools to receive the SPRK-ing Interest program with the following benefits:

  • Sphero BOLT PowerPack that includes 15 Sphero BOLT Robots
  • 15 Bluetooth capable tablets with the Sphero Edu app installed
  • Virtual or on-site (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) 2-hour teacher/staff training, introducing teachers to Sphero Education resources and recommendations for incorporating Sphero and coding into curricula
  • Virtual preparation or onsite (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) 2-hour activity for the students 
  • AISES’ SPRK-ing Interest Lesson Booklet
  • Sphero Educator Guide 
  • Educator access to customized Sphero online training at the virtual Sphero Academy,
  • Access to 100’s of BOLT activities and curriculum on Sphero Edu.

AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. As part of this commitment, the SPRK program supports engaging Native Pre-College (K-12) students in discovering, pursuing, and sustaining interest in STEM+CS. Criteria for schools participating in AISES’ SPRK-ing Interest program:  

  • K-12 public, private, and tribal schools serving a significant percentage of Native students. Priority will be given to Middle Schools.
  • A minimum of 50 students participating in program (exceptions made with smaller entities). 
  • Schools (or alternative entities such as afterschool programs) with emerging STEM programs and/or schools seeking to increase internal capacity to deliver STEM+CS curriculum using technology.
  • Availability for SPRK-ing program visit virtually or in person by AISES staff Winter/Spring of 2024. 
  • Availability of a large room with an open floor (library, oversized classroom, gym) for 2 days for the teachers/staff training and hands-on activities with students for in person training.
  • Commitment of a two-hour teacher/staff training by AISES staff. 
  • Availability of students for a total of two hours for hands-on intro activity. It can include working one day with students during their normal class period and the following day during normal class periods. Or during an afterschool program setting.
  • Ability to complete Teacher and Student Surveys after implementation.

** If you are a student interested in this program, please have an adult at your school or afterschool program fill out this form**

Deadline: February 1, 2024, or until all spots are filled for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications open on a rolling basis and 2024-2025 schools welcome to apply!

Note: We will try our best to accommodate your preferences, but depending on date and location, we may arrange differently.

Seeding Innovation Project
 

 

AISES and the Kapor Center are working together to provide support for a sequence of culturally revitalizing computer science curriculum to partner schools across the county. We work collaboratively with our school sites to create an engaging computer science curriculum, while also working with teachers and when possible, community members to integrate cultural traditions, language, stories, art and more. It is a tribe-specific computer science curriculum that is built with and for the partner communities.

What we provide:

  • Teacher Trainings/Workshops
  • Technology/Supplies needed for course(s)
  • Curriculum Developer support to co-create a course that works for your school
  • Developed lessons and lesson plans
  • Developed CS and cultural projects
  • A cohort of partner schools
  • College and Readiness Workshop/Speakers for teacher and students
  • Special focus for Native girls in STEM+CS
  • Extra support through additional meetings/correspondence, zooming into classrooms, potential site visits (following your school's guidelines), and more!

What we are looking for:

  • High Schools with a minimum of 60% enrollment of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander students
  • For smaller schools, a minimum of 10 students to enroll in course must be met to apply
  • Admin and community support
  • Teacher(s) ready and willing to teach CS course(s) with cultural context
  • Teacher(s) accessible for 1-2 monthly meetings with Curriculum Developers and/or Support
  • Schools interested in developing Artifical Intelligence and/or Machine Learning content
  • Schools willing to recruit Native girls into classes
  • Schools with culture and/or language teachers or community members willing to collaborate on culturally revitalizing curriculum

If you are interested in being a part of this amazing opportunity, click the link below to fill out our interest form! AISES will contact interested schools on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of application. AISES and Kapor will invite interested schools to an initial discussion to explain the program in more detail and answer questions to ensure alignment.

Apply Here

 

 

 

 

 

NC Nate imageProjects are from students at Stilwell High School in Oklahoma

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partner Schools Wanted!
Ongoing recruitment throughout the year!  Apply anytime!

For more information about this program please contact Marie Casao, AISES Program Officer at seedinginnovation@aises.org or Frieda McAlear, Kapor Senior Research Associate at friedam@kaporcenter.org

The Kapor Center

The Kapor Center is a national non-profit organization focused on increasing diversity and inclusion across the tech ecosystem, from K-12 education through the workforce and entrepreneurship. The Kapor Center has a specific focus on increasing equity in computer science education, through research, programming, and policy advocacy. Current programs include the Equitable Computer Science Curriculum Initiative, to improve culturally relevant CS curriculum offerings, Seeding Innovation: Expanding CS for Native Girls, to provide culturally revitalizing CS curriculum and courses within Native-serving schools, and the Rising AP STEM Initiative, to increase participation in AP CS among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students in the SF Bay Area. The Kapor Center has also published numerous research articles and reports on the lack of access to CS courses across California, the participation of women of color in computing, and interventions to broaden participation in computing education. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual AISES National Conference 

The AISES National Conference has been held annually since 1978 and is an unparalleled opportunity to connect companies with over 2,500 Indigenous high school juniors and seniors, college and graduate students, educators, workforce professionals and our corporate, government, private foundation, nonprofit, and tribal partners for professional development, networking opportunities, research presentations, workshops, awards, and traditional Indigenous cultural events. The National Conference hosts the largest college and career fair in Indian Country with many companies also hosting hiring events by conducting onsite interviews. Job seekers are provided interview coaching, and resume development, as well as career planning and other skills necessary to be successful in today’s job market. For students considering college or graduate school, resources are provided to assist in financial planning, applying to college or graduate school, as well as information on the many STEM majors and careers available. AISES members and attendees from the U.S. and Canada, and as far away as Alaska and Hawai’i make connections and they find the resources and services to advise and advance their academic studies and careers.

For 43 years, the AISES National Conference has provided:

  • STEM career pathway awareness and exploration
  • Professional development skill-building workshops
  • Career and community leadership development sessions
  • Research education, training, exchange, and dissemination
  • Networking
  • Mentorship
  • Career, internship, and academic opportunities
  • Pathways for integrating STEM research and careers with indigenous culture and identity
  • Interactions with Native elders and cultural ceremonies to motivate and empower Indigenous students and professionals to persist and excel in their STEM studies and careers

For more information visit the AISES National Conference website at: 

https://conference.aises.org.

AISES Regional Conferences 

AISES’ Regional Conferences take place every spring and provide an opportunity for AISES College and Professional Chapters to gather and share information, form partnerships, and to network with each other and with selected presenters and partners.

Each regional conference has a number of informative sessions and activities for both college and high school students. Among the activities provided are mini career fairs, poster presentations, and engineering competitions. AISES’ student representatives and the host chapters for the following year are selected at the regional conferences.

Local and national professionals within a variety of fields provide workshops, seminars, and discussion groups about a wide variety of topics. Generally, each Regional Conference host develops a theme or focus area for the Regional Conference (environmental, bridging native cultures with science, etc.).

The host chapter for the following spring’s regional conference is determined during the Regional Conference held each spring.

Chapters interested in hosting the regional conference indicate their interest in hosting and make a verbal presentation regarding their resources, planning, and ability to host the conference. Each college chapter in "Good Standing" is allowed one vote; the majority of votes determines the location of the regional conference.  

View Upcoming Regional Conferences

Annual AISES Leadership Summit 

Save the date April 30 - May 2, 2023 at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Establishing a leadership pipeline is fundamental to developing today’s best science, technology, engineering, and math talent. Students from high school through postdoctoral studies, as well as emerging and mature professionals, value the AISES Leadership Summit as an opportunity to acquire the skills they need to be confident leaders. Through workshops and sessions — along with built-in time to relax, socialize, and have fun — the AISES Leadership Summit delivers on strategies that enable Indigenous STEM professionals, students, and leaders to learn from each other, network, and find support.

Goals of the Summit

  • Enhance the skills and knowledge of AISES members as they pursue various career development paths and career ladders
  • Provide AISES members with support and build their confidence to transition into the STEM workforce
  • Develop AISES professional members as role models for high school, college, graduate, and postdoctoral students.
  • Provide an environment that allows AISES members to “linger and learn” from each other.

For more information visit the AISES Leadership Summit website at 

summit.aises.org

Scholarships  

AISES offers a universe of opportunities to students! Our students choose to move fiercely forward in their educational journeys by learning and acquiring new skills that will help them in meeting the ever-changing STEM needs of our communities.

At AISES, we invest more than just scholarship support into our students; we invest confidence, trust and a large community of support and encouragement for our students. Year after year, our AISES scholars bring potential and limitless possibilities for the future of STEM, each working towards advancing his or her opportunities in STEM career fields.

Among our current and past scholarship programs, sponsors have included Chevron, Boeing, Intel, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Navy Civilian Careers and many others. 

View Our Current Scholarships.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)

With the generous support of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and The Helen A. Powers Fund, AISES is serving high/middle school students who are citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Western North Carolina. Our goal is to increase awareness, interest, and competency in STEM and Computer Science (STEM+CS) among Eastern Band of Cherokee middle school students; thus, preparing them for a 21st Century workforce.

AISES provides EBCI middle schools with cutting edge technology, such as, Discover Drones and Sphero BOLTS (robotics equipment), which is designed for use in educational settings. AISES also works with Eastern Band of Cherokee educators to provide culturally contextualized curriculum to engage students in these hands-on STEM activities. With the support of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, students and teachers from Cherokee Central High School are given the opportunity to attend the AISES National Conference each Fall.

For more information please contact:  Taylor Kingsbery, AISES Program Officer, tkingsbery@aises.org

Cherokee Preservation Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation established in 2000 as part of the Tribal-State Compact amendment between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the State of  North Carolina. The Cherokee Preservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve native culture, protect and enhance the natural environment, and create appropriate and diverse economic opportunities in order to improve the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and their neighbors in western North Carolina. 

The Helen A. Powers Fund provides one-year grants to organizations providing education and healthcare services to the people of Western North Carolina. Its mission is to serve the people of western North Carolina by supporting organizations committed to education and healthcare. 

Cherokee Preservation Foundation Logo

Cherokee Central HS Students at the AISES 2019 Leadership Summit in Cherokee, NC

Cherokee Central HS Students Class Robotics Challenge 2019

Cherokee Central HS Students Class Robotics Challenge 2019

 

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Education

With the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education, AISES is working on several four-year-long projects which provide culturally relevant K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming: 

  • Project: "Traditional Knowledge, New Ideas, a Better Cheyenne River"
    • Cheyenne Eagle Butte Schools
  • Project: "Woksape Tate Topa: Community Partnership to Increase College and Career Readiness"
    • Dupree School
    • Takini School
    • Timber Lake School
    • Tiospaye Topa School

In collaboration with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, AISES seeks to increase interest and engagement in STEM subjects among students of all ages, build educators' capacity to support students in STEM, and generate Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe parent and community support of and engagement in STEM studies and careers.

AISES provides a wide variety of events and activities such as AISES led in-class lessons, professional development trips for educators, STEM summer enrichment camps for kids, community STEM nights, college preparation workshops, career-readiness webinar series, STEM field trips, and support for after-school AISES Affiliate Club activities.

**Due to COVID-19 precautions, all 2020 activities were held virtually**

Virtual Robot Building Class

AISES also provides schools with STEM supplies such as Discover Drones and Sphero BOLTS (robotics equipment). AISES collaborates with educators to provide a culturally relevant, hands-on, and engaging curriculum that incorporates Native language and culture. For example, one lesson contains Lakota star knowledge. 

Soil Science

Students and teachers are also allowed to attend the AISES National Conference each Fall. Student participation is encouraged in AISES' National American Indian Virtual Science and Engineering (NAIVSEF)and the AISES Energy Challenge, an energy-related virtual science and engineering fair competition. 

For more information, please contact Taylor Kingsbery, Program Officer, tkingsbery@aises.org.


Joseph Moreno, Cheyenne Eagle Butte Schools & Tiospaye Topa School

Joseph Ferdinand Moreno is a high school Science Teacher in Cheyenne Eagle Butte School District 20-1.  He was born in the Philippines and came to the U.S. on an Exchange Cultural Teacher program to teach at the Cheyenne Eagle Butte School in 2016.  Joseph has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of San Carlos (Philippines) and is passionate about serving in the Lakota community.  He has been a teacher for ten years.  Joseph is enjoying his work as the AISES NYCP Cheyenne Eagle Butte and Tiospaye Topa School Program Manager which he sees as another way he can help his students.

Tiffany Pesicka, Dupree School

 Tiffany Pesicka is one of the AISES Native Youth Community Project (NYCP) Program Manager contractors located on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.  She is also the CTE Instructor at the Dupree School District. An enrolled member of Kul Wicasa Oyate, Tiffany grew up working on her family ranch on Lower Brule Sioux reservation and spent many years helping at the family sale barn. At sixteen, Tiffany began working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and continued to work there for close to eight years. Her background in ranching and work at NRCS and helping on the family ranch, is what led to Tiffany's decision to study range science at South Dakota State University. Tiffany found her passion for teaching and began her teaching career at Dupree School. "I have poured my heart and soul into offering as much as I can to my students at Dupree."  Tiffany lives on a cow/calf operation ranch with her husband and son in Dupree, SD. The family enjoys taking care of their ranch, fishing, a good meal with friends, and a good card game of cribbage or pinochle. 

Veronica Reichert, Takini School & Timber Lake Schools

Veronica Reichert is a proactive woman who has made an impact on the people around her. Starting from youth.  Working the field of disability and mental health, she served as a director at the Center for Women and Teenagers for more than a decade. Her work involved helping teenagers and mothers in crisis situations. Veronica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work (nongovernmental organization management), from Cavendish University in Uganda and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Mayville State University, North Dakota.  Math has always been Reichert's passion and she enjoys helping students grasp mathematical language and concepts.  Veronica is thankful that AISES gives her the opportunity to inspire and motivate young people in STEM education on the Cheyenne River Reservation where she lives with her husband and two children.

U.S. Department of Education

 

 

AISES and the Coalition of SW OK Tribes Economic Development Partnership

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Comanche Nation, Kiowa Tribe, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have partnered on an Administration of Native Americans Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) project. 

AISES and the Comanche Nation, Kiowa Tribe, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, collectively referred to as the Coalition of SW OK Tribes, are collaborating on the development and implementation of programs in three focus areas—Asset Building, Career Pathways, and Entrepreneurship—to meet the economic development needs of the tribal communities of southwestern Oklahoma. This partnership will provide culturally relevant financial literacy, STEM college and career readiness, and STEM business development.

Through culturally relevant, financial education curriculum, a goal of the SEDS project is to increase the financial literacy of kids and teens living in tribal communities of SW OK by helping build skills such as learning how money works, how to open and maintain checking and savings accounts, how to budget, and understand student loans and other debt. 

For college and career readiness specific to STEM, the AISES and the partners want to encourage students looking to pursue college or careers in STEM by exposing them to STEM career awareness, teaching them to set goals, and attending workshops to be exposed to STEM careers and college majors. 

Lastly, the partners are adapting a culturally-contextualize series of STEM entrepreneurship and business development workshops to build the skill set of community members to develop, start, and maintain STEM businesses in southwestern Oklahoma.

For more information, please contact: Taylor Kingsbery, AISES Program Officer, programs@aises.org 

 

Introduction

In partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) developed Native Financial Cents: Supporting Financial Capability for Native Americans Curriculum (NFC) to engage Native communities in supporting financial education for youth and young adults.

Financial education is a critical component of workforce development, ensuring students and professionals can persist and thrive in their educational and professional endeavors while successfully managing personal finances. Financial skill development help students and early career professional to advance more quickly both personally and professionally. Additionally, this financial knowledge will extend beyond personal finances to positively impact workplaces and communities, given the financial principles learned are not exclusive to individual use, ultimately having a ripple effect throughout Indian Country.

Learn More


Instructional Strategies Overview

Importance of Cultural and Historical Context

For all students, especially Native students, it is important to provide cultural and historical background information on the topic being taught. This background information enriches the curriculum and relates topics to the students’ personal lives.

Read More


Contact Us

Contact AISES for more information on the Native Financial Cents (NFC) culturally contextualized curriculum.

Contact AISES

 

Native Financial Cents

 

 

 

Indigenous Coders: Exploring STEM + CS

 

AISES has partnered with Comcast NBCUniversal - through Project UP, the company's comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities - to expand computer science education and career readiness in schools serving Indigenous students!

We are excited to offer this course again for the 2024-2025 school year to four more high school serving sites!

This two-semester course combines various STEM fields, computer science, and college and career readiness with the chance to compete in NAISEF (National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair).
The course also features the chance to create culturally contextualized lessons to engage Indigenous learners and gives schools technology to build Makerspaces at their site.

The course features culturally contextualized lessons (when appropriate) to further engage Indigenous learners. This program will also be using this opportunity to give schools technology to build Makerspaces at their site.

The goal of the course is to engage students and prepare them for STEM+CS degrees and careers through:

  • Hands-on independent projects
  • Technical education integrating local culture(s) 
  • Interactive computer science (CS) skill-building activities 
  • Professional and peer mentorship, and college, career, and leadership development 

Requirements of Eligible Schools

  • High Schools located within the United States
  • Willingness to schedule this class as a stand-alone course (grades 9-12) 
  • Access to a computer lab (stationary or mobile) or laptop devices
  • Ability to video conference in the classroom
  • Willing teacher and supportive administration

Benefits

  • Teacher training is provided
  • CS course curriculum provided
  • Course equipment and supplies such as: 3-D printers, Sphero robots, android tablets, and more!
  • Potential to create a makerspace at your school site
  • Students will gain many of the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful candidate for college acceptance
  • Academic year curriculum support from AISES staff for teachers
  • Academic year support from AISES and Comcast NBCUniversal professional mentors who are in the fields of computer science, engineering, and related careers

We're accepting interest forms now through April 12, 2024!

APPLY HERE!

Selections and interviews will be made following the deadline and schools will be notified by late April. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to programs@aises.org.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About AISES

Founded in 1977, growing the AISES membership above our current 5,900 individual members is key to achieving our mission. AISES supports 230 affiliated pre-college schools, 196 chartered college and university chapters, 3 tribal chapters, and 18 professional chapters in the U.S. and Canada. We promote the highest standards of education and professional excellence to widen the STEM workforce and grow sector support. We highlight the geographic, economic, and social aspects of STEM education and careers.

In addition to awarding nearly $12 million and counting in academic scholarships, AISES offers internships, professional development and career resources, national and regional conferences, leadership development summits, and other STEM-focused programming.

Comcast NBC Universal logo

Example of a student project. Exploring different Careers and Pathways in STEM.

Example of a student project.  Exploring different Careers and Pathways in STEM.

Students using coding to control Sphero robots.

Students created light up valentine cards while learning the basics of circuitry.

The Tatsinupi (Star) Program

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Navigational Tools for Student Success in STEM

Navigation

Stars were used as navigational tools for travelers by Native Hawaiians; this guidebook is to be used as a navigational tool for students.

Connection

Stars are included in many of our Indigenous origin stories; we are connected to the stars and are made up of the same material.

Empowerment

Indigenous ancestors have been studying the stars since time immemorial; we were always scientists.

The AISES  College and Career Guide was handcrafted just for Native students like you to prepare for, and successfully navigate the pathways to various STEM college and career journeys. This guidebook includes wonderful insight from Native graduates, professionals, and other Indigenous STEM students to provide you with helpful tips and pertinent college advice so your paths will be made easier as you transition into your college and careers. Because your family, your tribal nation, and our communities need you, we hope this College and Career Readiness Guide provides you with insightful information that is a familiar and accessible way to navigate you in this stage of your life.
View the guide

Tatsinupi (Star) of the Month Program

The AISES Student Success Team is proud to introduce the Tatsinupi (Star) of the Month Program. Each month, the Tatsinupi Program will recognize and honor an undergraduate or graduate AISES student member who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, scientific achievement, and the AISES Core Values. The Tatsinupi of the Month is a student with great potential to be successful, respected, influential, and a contributing member of our vast and ever-changing global community. The Tatsinupi of the Month will be selected by the AISES Student Success Team from an ongoing application pool of student applicants. Students may be self-nominated or nominated by someone who thinks the students would make a good Tatsinupi Candidate.

Eligibility
The student must:
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university.
  • Be an enrolled citizen or a descendant of an enrolled citizen of a federal or state-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Village; or Native Hawaiian or descendant from a Native Hawaiian; or Pacific Islander or descendant from Pacific Islander; or an Indigenous person of Canada. Enrollment documents, Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or Certificate of Degree of Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) cards, and/or a copy of a birth certificate(s) showing descendency from an enrolled citizen, Indigenous group of Canada, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander are acceptable.
  • Be a current AISES Member.
  • Complete the Tatsinupi of the Month Application if self-nominating OR have the application completed by the person who nominates them.
  • Be enrolled in a STEM Degree program.

Tatsinupi of the Month Honors:
  • Each Tatsinupi will be recognized on all AISES Social Media Platforms for their respective month.
  • Each Tatsinupi will be featured on our Tatsinupi Wall of Honor on the Tatsinupi website page.
  • Each Tatsinupi will have their photo and a brief article shared with their local hometown and/or tribal newspaper.
  • Each Tatsinupi will receive a certificate to celebrate their honor.
  • Each Tatsinupi (for that academic year) will be recognized at the annual Student Award Luncheon at the National Conference.

For More Information: Contact AISES Student Success at scholarships@aises.org

Application

AISES Student Speaker Webinar with Audra Benally

 
AISES Full Circle Mentorship Orientation

 
AISES Career Readiness: Computer Game Design

 
AISES College Readiness: IHS Scholarships

 
AISES Career Readiness: Health Field Exploration


2023 Native Scholarship Forum

 
AISES Career Readiness: 
Indigenous Food/Farmers Careers

AISES 2021-2022 Scholarship Webinar

 
AISES Mentorship Meeting 2021

 
AISES Career Readiness: 
BPA Internship

 
AISES College Readiness: 
Summer Internships

 
AISES College Readiness: 
Mid-Term Study/Test Exam Prep

 
AISES College Readiness: 
Scholarship Application Walk Through

Marathon After School Program that will start in the Fall of 2023.

 

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