About AISES @umich
The Mission
The AISES mission is to increase substantially the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science and other related technology disciplines.
History and Goals
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society was founded in
1977 by American Indian scientists, engineers and educators. In view
of the high dropout rates and low college enrollment and graduation
rates of American Indians compared with all other ethnic groups in
the United States, and the severe under-representation of American
Indians in the science and engineering fields, 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 American Indians and Alaska Natives
from middle school through graduate school. AISES provides
professional development activities to enable teachers to work
effectively with Native students. AISES also develops culturally
appropriate curricula and publications. AISES builds partnerships
with tribes, schools, other non-profit organizations, corporations,
foundations and government agencies to realize its goals.
AISES especially helps American Indian and Alaska Native students
prepare for careers in science, technology, and engineering.
Chapter Programs and Services
Our programs include free tutoring for Science and Engineering students, a mentor program for incoming students, free MCAT preparation material through CSP, a significant discount on GRE/MCAT preparation courses, and professional enrichment programs for Graduate School applicants, including contacts at various institutions. We also sponsor campus events, such as lectures, Native American Heritage Month, the Ann Arbor "Dance for Mother Earth" Pow Wow, and pre-college fairs. Most importantly, we meet with other AISES chapters across the country at national and regional conferences to assist our members with advancing their future Science or Engineering related careers.