In 2019, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) received a National Science Foundation grant to continue the Lighting the Pathway to Faculty Careers for Natives in STEM (LTP) Phase 1 program for another five years as Phase 2. LTP Phase 1 began in 2014 and ended in 2019, Phase 2 will continue onto 2024.

Both LTP Phases welcome full-time undergraduate, graduate, and Post-Doctoral scholars enrolled in Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Computer Information Sciences and Engineering, who want to become faculty members to apply for a cohort each year (except for the last year). Each cohort is a two-year program that offers a full circle of support to help guide scholars to successful degree completion and advancement to the next stage of their academic career path. Scholar support includes a participation stipend, travel funding, mentorship, and quarterly skill-building webinars.

This program has been successful. The LTP Phase 1 program resulted in over 35 faculty and many more scholars continuing to move toward that goal. Now almost halfway through Phase 2, we have six undergraduates, three Master’s students, 23 in a PhD program, and four Post Doctorates.

For further information, visit https://www.aises.org/content/lighting-pathway or contact Chelsea Chee at cchee@aises.org or 505-289-2691.