AISES National Conference Call for Session Proposals

Post Date: May 19 2017

The 2017 AISES National Conference is a one-of-kind, three-day event focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development! Attendees include American Indian high school and college students, educators, professionals, tribal nations and tribal enterprises, universities, corporations, and government agencies. 

A record 1,900 people attended the 2016 AISES National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The career fair was the largest STEM career and opportunities fair in Indian Country, representing a diverse range of STEM organizations spanning industry, academia, government agencies, and tribes.  Spanning three-days, the 2016 conference boasted over 80 sessions, including hands-on STEM activities and educator training. 

The 2017 National Conference will be in Denver, Colorado from September 21-23 with pre-conference activities beginning on the 20th.
For information about the 2017 National Conference please visit the conference website at: http://conference.aises.org/

Call for Session Proposals

AISES has opened the call for session proposals and encourages a diverse array of session presenters!  If you have never presented at an AISES conference, we encourage you to do so! 

This year AISES is excited to announce the addition of an “Educator” track! 

All sessions must fall into one of the following tracks:

  • Pre-College: target audience includes high school juniors and seniors
  • College: target audience includes undergraduate and graduate students
  • Professional: target audience includes professionals and AISES partners
  • Educator: target audience includes K-12 educators
  • STEM & Business: target audience includes students and professionals
  • Research: to submit a research presentation please visit: http://conference.aises.org/agenda/research  

Track Descriptions

Pre-College: Sessions in the pre-college track are meant to raise awareness and inspire high school students to pursue college majors and eventually careers in STEM. Sessions should aim to expose students to various STEM opportunities, programs, and careers, and support students in discovering, pursuing, and sustaining their interest in STEM as they prepare for their college careers and beyond.

College: Sessions in the college track are meant to increase access to resources and success in STEM degree programs for Native college students. Topics could range from mentorship to preparing for graduate school and beyond.

Professional: Sessions in the professional track are meant to support Native professionals as they advance their careers in STEM. Topics could range from professional development, career opportunities, networking and opportunities to mentor and support Native students in STEM.

Educator: The purpose of the educator track is to provide content specifically for K-12 educators and support staff working primarily with Native students. Topics could range from securing teaching positions in Indian Country, culturally relevant curriculum, and supporting extra-curriculum STEM activities for Native students.

STEM & Business: AISES created a STEM & Business session track at the 2016 National Conference, featuring such topics as STEM Entrepreneurship, Developing your STEM Business Idea, STEM Business Planning, and Access to Capital for STEM Business Development. STEM & Business sessions are meant to explore the intersection of STEM and business and support students and professionals interested in these topics.

Research: The research track includes all research presentations.  To become a research presenter, please click here: http://conference.aises.org/agenda/research

STEM Activity Day

AISES is also soliciting proposals for activities presented during STEM Activity Day on Wednesday, September 20th. STEM activities should be hands-on and engaging for AISES pre-college students and educators. Examples of activities include:

  • Robotics demonstrations
  • Jeopardy style science bowl
  • Simple science experiments
  • Engineering and design projects          

Session Logistics

STEM Activity Day presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th. Sessions will take place September 21-23 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

All sessions are 50 minutes.

Each session room will be equipped with a computer with internet access, projector, screen, and microphone, and will be set with a head table and podium.

Timeline and General Information

  • Deadline for submission of proposals:  June 30, 2017
  • Notification of acceptance begins: July 17, 2017

Presenters are invited to submit multiple proposals. For those that have presented at an AISES conference before, please propose a new session. Preference will be given to interactive, engaging, and innovative sessions.

Conference Logistics for Presenters

Conference presenters are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and related conference expenses.

Each accepted session will receive up to 2 full conference registrations discounted by 50%, regardless of how many presenters the session may have. Complimentary registration codes will be provided after sessions are selected. All refunds are subject to the Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Online Submission Forms

Online submission forms must be completed by June 30, 2017 to be considered for review. Only complete session proposals will be reviewed.   

Access the session proposal here: http://conference.aises.org/agenda/presentation-proposals

For More Information

Check out the conference website at: http://conference.aises.org/

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Kathy DeerInWater (Director of Special Projects and Research) by email at kdeerinwater@aises.org.