American Indian Science and Engineering Society

My wife member of AISES and have seen the benefits it has brought to her community.

I have been associated with AISES for more than 30 years and have continued to be inspired by the incredible work they have done with Native youth and communities. I am honored to be connected with AISES and will continue to support all their efforts!

As a parent and community partner I've seen the positive influence of the work that AISES brings to our community.

I’ve had experience with AISES since I was in college myself, and for working with them as a community partner professionally! I’ve seen many of my friends gift their children to be Sequoyah Scholars, and have enjoyed being apart of the organization for many years!

I first became a member of AISES nearly 15 years ago. At the time I went to some chapter meetings but didn’t end up staying involved. Over the last year or so I reconnected with AISES and it is crazy to see how much it’s grown and how much more they provide to our community. I feel like I’m part of a community now.

My name is Shana Leigh. I'm an Indigenous content creator, partnered Twitch Streamer and YouTuber, voice actor, gamer, and I am a licensed teacher and cosmetologist with a background in Criminology and Psychology. I had the opportunity to work with AISES during their conference this past October, 2024 in San Antonio. We hosted a gaming event, and we were invited to participate in other community events as well. The AISES community is incredible, and the people who work for AISES are both kind and professional. I look forward to working with everyone again! Thank you so much for the opportunity.

AISES is such an important organization. I’ve been to their National Conference and it was so empowering to be in a space with so many Indigenous professionals. Seeing business attire paired with ribbon skirts and medallions was the perfect representation of the work they do - opening spaces for Indigenous people in STEM fields where they get to bring their whole selves to their work.

The individuals I have had the privilege of working with at AISES exemplify a deep commitment to their mission. Their passion is evident in every project and initiative we have collaborated on together. It has been incredibly rewarding to observe not only their dedication to supporting students but also their genuine concern for the well-being of the Indian country as a whole. This experience has opened my eyes to the significant impact that a dedicated team can have on fostering growth and empowerment within the community.

AISES is a wonderful organization that excels at it's mission. My first exposure to AISES was in high school. I wish that I had taken advantage the opportunity to become involved back then. Now fully into my career, I am a member of AISES and part of the LUCE/Rematriation Program for Indigenous Womxn in STEM. My experience participating in LUCE has been personally enriching and professionally motivating. I am seriously considering going back to school to complete a terminal degree after attending the 2024 AISES conference. Pursuing a PhD seems attainable and I feel supported after seeing and speaking with other Natives about their experiences. I look forward to many more years of AISES involvement.

Having been Involved with this non-profit for close to thirty years I only have high praise for their mission, the execution of it and how I have always been made to feel like I am part of the AISES family. The organization has tremendous opportunities for everyone from high school to college, and professional in STEM education and careers and while STEM is their primary goal it's only part of the exceptional experiences I've had with this marvelous organization.

I can, with a high degree of confidence, state that I would likely not be where I am today in my career if it wasn't for AISES. I started attending the national conference when I was in high school, and it helped me get into college. I continued to attend the national conference as a college student, and it lead me into graduate school. I now work for a company that has been attending the AISES national conference even longer than I have been attending the conferences. Thank you AISES for helping to make me the professional I am today.

I just went to my first AISES Annual Conference (2023 Spokane, WA), and I didn't know what to expect. My reaction after four intense days, going to sessions, and meeting dozens of individuals: I was dazzled. I got to meet Indigenous scientists and engineers, from ages 8 to 80+. I spent two hours with an Indigenous astronaut -- the first Native American in space. I interviewed the President of AISES. I met dozens of other people, some famous, some just beginning their careers. But they all embodied a single ethic: Share, encourage, lift up, support, challenge, stretch, improve, do good. In my decades-long career as an author, TV commentator, and educator, I've never seen an organization more single-minded, more noble, or more effective than AISES. It's as if all 3,300 people at the conference gelled into a support net(work) and trampoline designed to raise up an entire community. I was impressed with AISES's laser-like theme: return to your home community, get to work, and do good. "Outreach" was the message. Get better, share your knowledge, and raise up others. This ethos was apparent in every individual that I interviewed. People, all the way to the AISES president, impressed me as modest, businesslike, competent, and driven to help others. These people were quiet, low-key, effective agents of change -- in the corporations, colleges, universities, and communities that they would return to. In an age in which I see division, polarization, intolerance, and lack of constructive purpose all around me, this AISES community gave me a cause for hope. AISES keeps growing, and the hope it gives to its Indigenous constituency -- and to all of us -- grows along with it. I wish AISES the best. Our country needs more organizations like AISES to grapple with the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

I have been a part of AISES since 2014 when I was in undergrad. I was able to finish school with the help of scholarships from the organization, and I also met my first employer out of college through one of their career fairs. I continue to give back as a volunteer scholarship reviewer because I believe this organization does so much good for indigenous students.

AISES is an outstanding organization that welcomes all indigenous people. It has been extremely helpful in providing information, guidance, activities, and sponsorship for our daughter so that she can learn more about her native heritage, science, and careers in STEM. I highly recommend anyone who desires to promote tribal knowledge and legacy, improve access to education, and advocate for economic empowerment to donate to this wonderful organization.

My spouse and I were invited to a University Student AISES meeting by one of the students. At that time we both worked for Lockheed Martin. We were both supportive of the AISES students, attended their meetings and volunteered for all their activities which included organizing their student conference. I joined AISES as a professional member & eventually became a Sequoyah Fellow in 2009. I recruited students at Stanford University, San Jose State University, UC Berkeley and Arizona State to be part of AISES and to be employed at high tech companies. I also volunteered and gave 2 workshops at the main National AISES Conferences as a Lockheed employee. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Professional AISES member and greeting the young students and informing them about becoming an AISES member. I also gave workshops at the University level for students to be aware of the high tech industry that they can be part of during their life time. I enjoy reading the Winds of Change magazine and viewing all the American Indians that are displayed in the magazine. This just makes me proud that the AISES organization exists. Being invited to a Student AISES meeting started our journey to volunteer for this great organization. I am an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho.

I support AISES, it is the top Non-Profit organization with the mission to increase the representation of Indigenous People in STEM related fields. They cover the Indigenous people across the US and now into Canada. They do this with programs to stir student's interest in STEM, support through the college experience, and into the workplace.

I have been able to see first-hand how AISES stretches the donor dollars to maximize their impact in Indian Country.

I hope this message finds you happy, healthy and safe. While that is true I like the way the Irish say it better:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.



It is with great excitement and passion that I write to you about the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), a remarkable organization committed to advancing Indigenous peoples in STEM fields. AISES creates an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling students to receive education and opportunities in STEM, fostering a community of empowered individuals who can contribute to the betterment of our world.



I am deeply invested in AISES because it resonates with my core belief in making the world a better place by providing education and opportunities, allowing individuals to help themselves. Education in STEM fields opens up a world of possibilities, instilling a sense of hope and ambition in students who may have been underserved in the past. AISES acts as a beacon of light for Indigenous communities, empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations in STEM, while honoring their unique heritage and traditions. I believe that supporting AISES is an investment in a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to explore, innovate, and lead in STEM fields.



Join me in supporting AISES in its noble mission to uplift and advance Indigenous peoples in STEM. By contributing to AISES, we are making a difference in the lives of many bright and aspiring students. We are fostering an environment of learning, growth, and opportunity. Let us unite in the spirit of compassion, hope, and progress, and make a lasting impact through our support to AISES, ensuring indigenous people are well-represented in the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.



Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference. Let’s come together to empower the future generations and continue to create a world filled with endless possibilities.

I first worked with AISES-sponsored outreach efforts to Native students in 1992, helping with programs directly on the Turtle Mountain reservation that summer and for many summers following, and cannot adequately describe the joy of seeing students come alive to the fun and usefulness of mathematics. As an advisor to a number of AISES programs since then, and a co-principal investigator for the current AISES Lighting the Pathways effort to advance the careers of Native college students, I can testify that I have rarely worked with other volunteers so deeply committed to seeing these students succeed in post-college careers in STEM fields, up to and including entering the professoriate to help create the next generation of Native science and mathematics professionals. It has been a rewarding and enriching experience for me as much as for the students who can trace their success in academia and industry to their mentoring by dedicated AISES professionals.

AISES is a life changing organization that is enabling advancements in STEM through their support of Indigenous scholars.

As a recent graduate now studying CS at Stanford University, AISES has continually supported my academic journey. During high school, I used AISES resources to help me with career exploration and tips for applying to college. Today, AISES has awarded me many scholarships to support me in furthering my academic journey. Additionally, many of my friends also competed in the high school science fair at the AISES National Conference. Overall, AISES does an exceptional job at supporting Native Hawaiian youth like myself, and I could not be more grateful to have AISES as a partner and support system.

I attended my first AISES Conference earlier this month in Palm Springs, CA. I wanted to learn more about the organization, meet people, and explore mentoring opportunities. I was very impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication of each and every member I met. Many of the AISES members that I met had accomplished an incredible amount, often in the face of significant constraints on their time/energy. I am following up on those meetings to see what I can contribute (I'm a retired Wildlife Biologist/Environmental Scientist) and look forward to attending/participating in next year's conference in Washington.

Jeffrey L. Lincer, Ph.D.

My daughter put a donation to this organization on her 2021 Christmas list. I visited the AISES website and did some research and what I learned was all very positive. Although I am not an American Indian, my mother worked as a nurse on the 4 Corners Navajo reservation in the 1950s and I have always had great respect for indigenous people. I am an engineer myself and my daughter is studying engineering, so we both strongly support organizations that encourage under-represented minorities to study for STEM careers. I plan to include AISES in my annual list for charitable giving.

I've attended the AISES conference once as a student, and have volunteered 3 times since 2008. I have to say this is probably thee best organization I've ever seen personally, only due to the endless opportunities you have! It's amazing to see the sponsors that come and support the organization to better students and existing professionals into a better career path. I anticipate volunteering in the future for years to come although the individual volunteering has to pay for all expenses for traveling. I don't care what the cost is, it's that satisfying to work along the other people that help and support this organization.

The AISES national conference was such a great opportunity to connect with other Nishnabe people! As a student not in a tribal school, with very little indigenous presence in the area, and who grew up far from tribal lands, I was welcomed with open arms into the community of “beautiful native nerds”

I am honored to be part of such an amazing chapter. Being in AISES has brought me out of my shyness and I can't explain how much opportunities that they have to offer. I have attended two national conferences and I have met so many wonderful people and students. I know our chapter for the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa University is excited for another great year and our chapter has grown to 17 this year. Thank you again AISES for such a wonderful experience.

I began my story with AISES back in the late 80s. I participated in my first Native American Science Fair and soon later joined my AISES high school chapter. AISES is like a family, the support that a family gives to its members is unparalleled. It is not just an organization that supports STEM in its Indigenous youth, it gives those same youth the love that they need to know that they can succeed. I just finished my service to the organization to the board and I cannot be more proud of the staff, the leadership and the membership in regards to our growth and our success in our mission.

Indigenous people have a natural way of knowing, understanding, and thinking about the relationships of who they are, their surroundings that they are part of, and understand the important role each has in integrating and preserving both.

STEM provides a set of tools that are key to enabling people to developing solutions to some of our most challenging problems that include natural resource management, climate change, and sending people to explore outer space and the oceans.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society was founded on the basis that when indigenous students bring their culture and natural way of knowing, and receive support as they pursue their academic studies in STEM, not only will they succeed in their formal education, but they will also enhance the creation of solutions, and share with others ways to create solutions for our world for many generations to come.

It is for this reason, that I am a member of AISES, served the organization, and provided funding to support many students on their path to integrate their natural way of thinking and knowing with a formal college/university STEM education.

I can think of few other organizations that create opportunities, mentorship, and support for those with the insight, motivation and skills to make a difference in our future.

This is my favorite non-profit! They are so important in helping indigenous people get into the field of STEM. Having diverse individuals in STEM is so important for the future of the sciences. I love their newsletter, the way they keep me informed on new initiatives has been amazing. I strongly recommend anyone getting involved with this Org!

Justin Jacques Ph.D., LPC, CEAP, CACII, NCS ACS

I became aware of AISES back in the late 1990s when I was a Technical Manager at Lucent Technologies. When my role expanded, I became involved in technical recruiting at a time when Lucent was growing its staff. I was part of a Lucent team that attended an AISES national conference where we met amazing students with a wide range of technical skills and many other talents. We were able to convince many talented students to join the Lucent technical staff. I was able to attend three more AISES national conferences and was pleased when Lucent became a corporate sponsor of the national conference. I met several of the AISES staff who showed strong planning skills to efficiently facilitate large events. After I retired from Lucent, I continue to support the AISES mission and its vision for the future of Native people.

I learned about AISES through my workplace, Bonneville Power Administration/US Dept of Energy. We have several employee resource groups including a very active and well-organized Native American Resource Group. Some of my co-workers from that group were AISES interns, which is why I started supporting AISES.
Sarah EchoHawk, the CEO of AISES, gave an excellent presentation at the Dept of Energy's Native American Heritage event in November 2021. AISES fulfills a vital function in supporting indigenous students in the STEM fields and I'm grateful for the opportunity to support their work.

AISES is focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. Beyond STEM and beyond academics is a family. A family of elders, professors, expert professionals, young students and overall, an Indigenous support system. AISES is truly a one of a kind organization that brings professional manner blended with appreciation for cultural practice and incorporates learning. Although I am a mid-career professional, I wish I knew about AISES growing up. A few of my favorite moments are watching students with their job offers at the National Conference Career Fair, watching young professionals match seasoned professionals at networking events and reading about a students future they mapped out for themselves on scholarship applications. I encourage any individual who is looking for a professional cultural centric family to join AISES. They really walk the talk.

AISES is a non-profit organization that supports Indigenous people in STEM, in all stages of life from cradle to career and beyond. An organization that is passionate about supporting, serving and providing opportunities to Indigenous scientists. It’s a family, a culture and a very unique space that is needed in today's world to further advance our traditions as people and scientist. AISES to me, it is a sacred space that provides opportunity, sense of belonging and advancement for all Indigenous peoples in STEM. It has personally been a huge part of my life as a first-generation non-traditional student attending events to a leader on the Board, and now as a staff member. It is an organization I am passionate about as the mission provides me with the opportunity to strengthen Native communities beyond my time here.

I first heard of AISES when I was a senior in high school. It was in my last year of high school when I applied for an AISES scholarship and was awarded. I was so excited and when I moved to campus, I quickly became a member of the University of Oklahoma’s student Chapter. The Chapter was a very supportive and fun group of my peers that felt like family, and I felt extremely proud to belong to this organization. Fast forward 25 years, and I am now working for AISES and it is the same supportive and family environment that I experienced in undergrad, and I love it! I’m still so happy and proud to belong to the AISES family all of these years.

Indigenous Peoples have historically been underrepresented in the world of STEM, so the role AISES plays in the community of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM is so important. AISES does an amazing job offering resources, cultivating connections, and supporting those in STEM. From K-12 to professionals, AISES is working hard to build up the future of the STEM world by advocating for Indigenous peoples' voices and representation. I'm excited to see more of the impact of AISES in the future.

I first heard about AISES during my 3rd year as an undergrad at a Cal State. I honestly wish I had known about AISES so much sooner! Being an Urban Native (growing up away from my own community), I had no idea there were all these amazing programs available. I missed out on so many potential scholarships and opportunities because of this! (So now I never miss a chance to let other college students know about AISES!)

I became a teacher after graduating, and about 5 years later, I ended up finding my way back to AISES when a school I was working for was receiving one of their SPRK grants, and I was designated as the point person. I then started attending the National conferences in 2018, and I am so happy I did! It is an amazing experience to behold. AISES is a dedicated, passionate organization and I have been so happy to have been reunited with them. Everyone is so welcoming, and as someone who always felt like an "outsider" in the everyday world, seeing how they embrace everyone's unique talents, ideas, cultural aspects and traditions is great.

AISES is a large family of Indigenous students and professionals that strives to support its members on their pathways to and through STEM education and careers. My experience with AISES has been positive! The organization operates in a transparent, lean, and intentional manner to implement programs and create opportunities for its members. Its Board and staff work tirelessly to achieve its mission of substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.

The best word to describe AISES is FAMILY. Everyone involved with this organization cares for others to the fullest and does everything possible to follow through with the AISES mission. The feeling you get when attending an AISES event is indescribable. I am happy and proud to be part of the AISES FAMILY!

For the past eight years, the AISES family has guided me in my, now life long journey, of discovering what it means to be an indigenous woman. Raised in the military and moving from city to city; I never felt grounded nor rooted in culture. The AISES Council of Elders are especially near and dear to my heart. Their wisdom, guidance, and willingness to lend their time and love have helped me with life circumstances. The various yearly AISES events offer many opportunities to experience indigenous cultures and practices that participants from other cultures might be experiencing for the first time. When we "gather" at these events, the joy, appreciation and gratitude towards AISES is infectious! These are more than conferences; they are family gatherings. AISES is unique and like no other. The mission of AISES is to focus on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers. The organization works diligently to see the next seven generations of Native people to be successful, respected, influential and contributing members of our ever-changing global community. Between their mission, vision, staff and all their supporters, AISES continues to develop programs that elevate the indigenous STEM students and professionals. I am proud to call AISES my family and will continue to donate to this organization.

AISES offers an incredible support system throughout the various stages of a STEM career, from K-12 programming, pre-college and college chapters, and professional chapters as well. I got involved with AISES when I was in middle school, when I participated in their science fair for the first time. The early experience of seeing other Native students and professionals pursuing a career in science had significant impacts on my own journey, and gave me the support and courage I needed to continue with a STEM degree and career. I am now a first year PhD student! I have benefited from the mentorship and scholarship opportunities at AISES at every step along my path, and I look forward to my continued involvement with AISES. Among the various roles that AISES has played in my life, I also view the connections that I have made through this organization as a family, and not just a network of people that have helped me through my journey. AISES plays a vital role in increasing the number of Indigenous people in STEM, and I cannot understate the importance of this organization in my own life and the lives of others.

As the third Native women in the US with a PhD in forestry the American Indian Science & Engineering Society was THE most important resource for me as I pursued higher education. The support provided by AISES through scholarships, career fairs, internships and access to the growing network of American Indian/Alaskan Native STEM professionals and elders is critical to the continual success and prosperity of Native communities. This organization is focused on culture at the core, where it is guided by our long standing traditions as Native people, which is something that broader society is beginning to recognize and value. I can't think of a better organization to donate and support knowing the impact that it has on indigenous people.

AISES is the best non-profit organization in North America! They have and continue to provide a community and space for Indigenous students in STEM. Through the National Conferences, Leadership Summits, Regional Conferences, Networking events and College Chapters, AISES is always reaching out to Indigenous students to provide them with support and give them a voice. It is far too often that Indigenous students do not have a voice and have a say in their education, and AISES continues to change that. Without AISES, I do not know where I would be and for that, I am forever thankful.