An Initiative to Encourage the Participation of Native Americans in the Sciences

AbstractThis project is increasing the numbers of STEM graduates by developing innovative courses，recruiting and mentoring strategies. 该项目的一个独特的重点是增加美国土著STEM专业的人数。 该项目确定美洲土著学生，让他们在高中时参与研究;通过一个夏桥方案指导和帮助参与者为大一做好准备;通过学生的本科经历提供全面的学费减免、指导和支助网络;并让参与者参与积极和充满活力的夏季本科生研究经验。该项目还将现有的环境科学未成年人细化为研究的主要领域。 教师正在开发新的课程，正在团队授课，并侧重于跨学科的方法来环境研究。 一些课程侧重于该机构现有的可持续性努力。

AbstractThis project is increasing the numbers of STEM graduates by developing innovative curricular, recruiting and mentoring strategies. A unique focus of the project is on increasing the numbers of Native American STEM majors. The project is identifying Native American students and involving them in research while they are in high school; mentoring and preparing the participants for their freshman year through a summer bridge program; providing a complete tuition waiver, mentoring and a support network through the student's undergraduate experience; and involving the participants in active and dynamic summer undergraduate research experiences.The project is also refining an existing environmental science minor into a major field of study. Faculty are developing new courses that are being team taught and focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental studies. Several of the courses are focusing on the institution's existing sustainability efforts.