According to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will address the inclusion of Indigenous youth as participants in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning, and support access for increased opportunities.
“We are delighted to have received this grant to advance our work in addressing racial disparities in the STEM workforce and within educational institutions,” said Sarah EchoHawk, AISES CEO in a statement. “Equity gaps in the workplace and classroom adversely impact Indigenous populations in the U.S. and Canada. We are appreciative of the support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to help AISES advance its efforts in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.”
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is owned by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan. The initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our local communities.
“We’re excited to support AISES to encourage Indigenous youth to participate in STEM fields and increase learning opportunities along the STEM career pathway,” said Stephen Jett, CZI science program manager for imaging. “To move science forward, STEM fields need more representation, and AISES engages the learning, skills, and expertise of people from all backgrounds to advance Indigenous STEM progress.”
Michael Laverdure, chair of the AISES Board of Directors, said the “partnership bolsters core services to youth and further defines our role as a leader in STEM opportunities for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island,” a name for Earth or North America, used by some Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States. “It is imperative that we train and employ more scientists and foster an environment where our differences are our strengths,” he added. “Miigwetch to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative!”
Founded in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM studies and careers. This nonprofit supports individual student and professional members across the U.S. and Canada in STEM disciplines.
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