Lighting the Pathway

Description

AISES was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create the “Lighting the Pathway to Faculty Careers for Natives in STEM” program. The program’s goal is to increase the representation of Native Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty positions at universities and tribal colleges across the country. The program aims to create an intergenerational community of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior and senior faculty members. This full circle of support will help guide students to successful degree completion and advancement to the next stage on the academic career path. In addition to full circle mentorship, the program strives to provide students with valuable academic and professional support, travel funding, and educational, research, fellowship, and internship opportunities. 

If you are interested becoming part of the “Lighting the Pathway to Faculty Careers for Natives in STEM” program, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility

A) Full time college undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral scholar in a field within Biological Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, or Engineering at an accredited four-year. college/university or a two-year college enrolled in a program leading to an academic degree.

B) Interest in becoming a faculty member at a college, university, or tribal college.

C) Have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA), with consideration being given to applicants reflecting somewhat lower GPAs but with high potential to raise the GPA above 3.0.

D) Current member of AISES.

Selection of students will seek balance with respect to a diversity of tribes, geographic areas in the United States, STEM majors and gender. While the focus is primarily on American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians, all AISES members are eligible. The selection process will attempt to ensure that a diversity of STEM disciplines is reflected.

Student participants in the program will receive: 1) annual stipend of $2,250 for two years; 2) travel funding to attend AISES National Conference and AISES Leadership Summit or discipline-specific professional conference; 3) placement with an AISES selected faculty mentor; 4) access to skill-building webinars and funding resources.