OSU welcomes Native Americans for STEM education

Monday, March 11, 2024

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University-Stillwater campus invites Native American students, educators and families participating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to several events in April.   

The American Indian in Science and Engineering Society Region 4 Conference will be on April 5-6; the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair on April 6; and First Nations Day on April 4.  

AISES is a national organization for native representation in STEM with members from pre-college, college and professional STEM fields. Its vision is for "the next seven generations of Native people to be successful, respected, influential, and contributing members of our vast and ever-changing global community." The AISES Region 4 conference is hosted by the OSU-AISES college chapter. Pre-college students and families are encouraged to register for free by April 4. See the full schedule with times for meals and keynote speakers.  

NAISEF is a competitive science and engineering fair for indigenous youth (middle school and high school students) from across the nation hosted by AISES, the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, and College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology K-12 programs.  The event is at the ENDEAVOR Lab and parking is free and open to the public in lots 10 and 6 on Saturday. Educators interested in judging/volunteering or attending the educator lounge and awards dinner should register for free by March 18 through Zfairs or contact Chloe Smith, NAISEF director (naisef@aises.org).   

 American Indian Awareness Week is hosted by the Center for Sovereign Nations. There are many events beginning March 31 and culminating on April 6 with the Mr. And Miss. American Indian OSU Pageant and Graduation Honoring Ceremony.  On April 4 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., high school students can register to experience First Nations Day by connecting with OSU students, visiting the Center for Sovereign Nations, touring campus, and learning more about admission and scholarship opportunities unique to them.