Indigenous Coders: Exploring STEM + CS

AISES has partnered with Comcast NBCUniversal - through Project UP, the company's comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities - to expand computer science education and career readiness in schools serving Indigenous students!

We are excited to offer this course again for the 2024-2025 school year to four more high school serving sites!

This two-semester course combines various STEM fields, computer science, and college and career readiness with the chance to compete in NAISEF (National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair).
The course also features the chance to create culturally contextualized lessons to engage Indigenous learners and gives schools technology to build Makerspaces at their site.

The course features culturally contextualized lessons (when appropriate) to further engage Indigenous learners. This program will also be using this opportunity to give schools technology to build Makerspaces at their site.

The goal of the course is to engage students and prepare them for STEM+CS degrees and careers through:

• Hands-on independent projects
• Technical education integrating local culture(s) 
• Interactive computer science (CS) skill-building activities 
• Professional and peer mentorship, and college, career, and leadership development 

Requirements of Eligible Schools

• High Schools located within the United States
• Willingness to schedule this class as a stand-alone course (grades 9-12) 
• Access to a computer lab (stationary or mobile) or laptop devices
• Ability to video conference in the classroom
• Willing teacher and supportive administration

Benefits

• Teacher training is provided
• CS course curriculum provided
• Course equipment and supplies such as: 3-D printers, Sphero robots, android tablets, and more!
• Potential to create a makerspace at your school site
• Students will gain many of the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful candidate for college acceptance
• Academic year curriculum support from AISES staff for teachers
• Academic year support from AISES and Comcast NBCUniversal professional mentors who are in the fields of computer science, engineering, and related careers

We're accepting interest forms now through April 12, 2024!

APPLY HERE!

Selections and interviews will be made following the deadline and schools will be notified by late April. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to programs@aises.org.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About AISES

Founded in 1977, growing the AISES membership above our current 5,900 individual members is key to achieving our mission. AISES supports 230 affiliated pre-college schools, 196 chartered college and university chapters, 3 tribal chapters, and 18 professional chapters in the U.S. and Canada. We promote the highest standards of education and professional excellence to widen the STEM workforce and grow sector support. We highlight the geographic, economic, and social aspects of STEM education and careers.

In addition to awarding nearly $12 million and counting in academic scholarships, AISES offers internships, professional development and career resources, national and regional conferences, leadership development summits, and other STEM-focused programming.

Example of a student project.  Exploring different Careers and Pathways in STEM.

Students using coding to control Sphero robots.

Students created light up valentine cards while learning the basics of circuitry.