The American Indian Science & Engineering Society, affiliated with the engineering college at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä-Boulder, has received a 1997 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
The $10,000 award is funded through the National Science Foundation to recognize mentoring efforts and programs that increase the participation of under represented groups in science, math and engineering.
AISES is a Boulder-based national organization that has worked in conjunction with ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä-Boulder for the last 15 years. It provides programs in math, science and engineering for American Indian students, including Alaskan students, from kindergarten through graduate school.
“We offer Native American students a flashlight and road map so that they have opportunities to succeed in these fields,” said Norbert Hill, executive director.
Programs include curriculum development, teacher training, career fairs, an annual science fair, traditional knowledge and the distribution of more than $500,000 a year in scholarships. The award will help fund the upcoming science fair.
AISES was one of nine organizations to receive the Presidential Awards, which were presented at a ceremony Sept. 12 in the White House Old Executive Office Building.
“Our most valued reward comes in the form of American Indian college graduates. But it’s always nice to be recognized for what we so love to do,” Hill said.