The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) was founded in April 1977 by American Indian scientists, engineers, and educators. Among the AISES founders were: George Thomas (Cherokee), Jim Shorty (Navajo), Alfred Qöyawayma Colton (Hopi), and A.T. “Andy” Anderson (Tuscarora-Mohawk-Cayuga).
The AISES mission is to substantially increase the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science and related technology disciplines. In view of the high dropout rates and low college enrollment and graduation rates of American Indians compared with all other ethnic groups in the United States, along with severe under-representation of American Indians in the science and engineering fields, the goal of AISES was and remains “...to create an organization that would identify and remove the barriers to academic success for Native students.” General Membership “is limited to persons of one-quarter Indian Blood or more. A degree in science, or associate degree with work experience, or professional registration is required.”
AISES offers financial, academic and cultural support to American Indians and Alaska Natives from middle school through graduate school, and professional development activities to enable teachers to work effectively with native students. AISES also develops culturally appropriate curricula and publications, and builds partnerships with tribes, schools, other non-profit organizations, corporations, foundations, and government agencies to realize its goals.
