Date: November 2022
Amount: $72,000

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) was founded in 1977 by American Indian scientists, engineers, and educators. These Native professionals resolved to create an organization that would identify and remove the barriers to academic success for Native students. Through a variety of educational programs, AISES offers financial, academic, and cultural support to Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. AISES especially supports Indigenous North Americans and Pacific Islander students prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). AISES has delivered scholarship programs since its inception in the late 1971’s – awarding over $14M to date in funding directly to Indigenous students pursuing a STEM field at a accredited higher educational institution. Each year, AISES awards scholarship to as many as 200 students, but the need is far greater. Between 600-800 students seek funding each application cycle.

This grant will fund 12 full-time, undergraduate, Native STEM students with $2,500 scholarships during the 2023-2024 academic year. AISES awards these scholarships to students pursuing associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees at an accredited institution in fields related to amateur radio and digital communication science and technology. Preference is given to students studying electrical engineering, computer engineering, web design and development, audio technology, mechanical engineering, mathematics, information technology, communications, and other STEM fields. Scholars will receive support throughout the year including; student development and leadership training opportunities, mentorship, access to internship opportunities, and additional support services. Scholarship survey data will be used as a tool to better evaluate student progression and overall student development as they progress towards their STEM degree.

Learn more at https://www.aises.org.