November is Native American Heritage Month! This month, NRMN wants to share and highlight some organizations that would be beneficial for students and researchers in the STEM fields. We also want to give a special thank you to these organizations for supporting Native Americans in their professional and academic journeys!
According to EiE – Museum of Science, Native American and Indigenous people make up approximately 1.5% of the population and about the same percentage in schools, but are often excluded in educational research. This prevents essential resources and outreach programs from reaching this important population. It is important we share this information with our network.
AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) 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. The vision of AISES is for the next seven generations of Native people to be successful, respected, influential, and contributing members of our vast and ever-changing global community. (aises.org)
SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. At SACNAS, they are achieving true diversity in STEM by cultivating and celebrating a community where you can be your whole self. (sacnas.org)
The American Indian College Fund invests in Native students and tribal college education to transform lives and communities. For over 31 years, the College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native student access to higher education. They provide scholarships, programming to improve Native American student access to higher education, and the support and tools for them to succeed once they are there. (collegefund.org)
NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering) is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. Their scholarship program for under-represented minorities serves as a catalyst to increase the proportion of Black/African American, Native/American Indian, and Latinx/Hispanic American young women and men in STEM careers. They inspire and encourage excellence in engineering education and career development toward achieving a diverse and dynamic American workforce. (nacme.org)
It is exciting to see the many organizations making a difference for Native Americans in the STEM community. We encourage you to browse through all the resources and opportunities these organizations offer.
