Support AISES and Help Native Students Fulfill a Dream

Dear Friend,

You’re probably already familiar with AISES—how we offer support and mentoring for those pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. This guidance and encouragement starts with pre-high school, helps students all the way through college and finally, provides benefits for our Professional Members as they work in their dream careers.

But just knowing that AISES offers great opportunities is one thing—you naturally want to see the results of your donations. This letter will introduce you to a couple of winning teens. You’ll have a good chance to see how much good your generosity can do.

Our Pre-College programs are designed to capture students’ interest in science and math at an early age. And thanks to donors like you, it’s working. Each year, AISES sponsors the National American Indian Virtual Science and Engineering Fair (NAIVSEF). The top three winners then go on to INTEL’s International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Randa Shaw (Choctaw), from The Villages Charter School in Florida, took first place and Anna Quinlan (Cherokee), from Menlo-Atherton High School in California, received second place in the NAIVSEF Senior Division were invited to attend ISEF.

AISES awards cash prizes to senior and junior division winners and also pays the travel and registration fees for the Senior Division Grand Award winners and their sponsors to attend ISEF. Thanks to your donations, we were able fund both of these exceptional students.

According to Anna, a 9th grade student, “It was so much fun and an amazing experience. I don’t think I’ll ever meet so many people from so many different countries again. Also, it was great to get to interact with the other finalists.”

Anna’s project, entitled, “A Keytone Detecting Patch to Detect Type One Diabetes,” was an award winner. “When they announced the Grand Awards, I found out I got 4th place in Biomedical Engineering!” Anna is right on track for her future—thanks to the gifts you provide AISES.

Randa placed first at NAIVSEF, with her project called, “Oceaneering Pile Driving Infrastructure Technology: Mitigating Anthropogenic Underwater Noise Impacts on Coastal Marine Life.” Randa says she was contacted by Boeing representatives and AISES members during the INTEL fair. She was even told by a teacher from Hawaii that her project was truly needed to help sustain the islands and therefore sustain the culture. She appreciates AISES for “allowing me to compete, fulfill a dream, and create lifetime memories. The interaction with scientists     and engineers from around the world was awe-inspiring and motivating.”

The Pre-College Program consists of much more than a single competition, however. It also supports early childhood through high school education and students in STEM studies through teacher training, regional science bowls, science fairs, leadership development, mentorship, scholarships, internships and other programming designed to support students and their families.

And of course, AISES offers all kinds of opportunities for both our College and Professional members too. From internships and mentoring to our annual National Conference, we take pride in helping all our members reach their goals with careers in a STEM field.

Shouldn’t more bright students such as Randa and Anna have the chance to pursue a STEM career? With your help, we’ll be able to substantially increase the representation of indigenous people in STEM studies and careers.

As a non-profit, AISES relies on donations to achieve its mission. Many of our STEM graduates return to their homes after college in order to use their knowledge to help their communities. So your generosity is key in providing our People an endless circle of support.

On behalf of myself, the AISES Board of Directors, and all our members, thank you for your help. It makes all the difference.

Sincerely,

Sarah EchoHawk (Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma)
Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Please give today so we can help everyone who needs us!