The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District participated in a virtual National Native American Heritage Month Observance event hosted by the Equal Employment Office, Nov. 9.
Participants listened to a presentation given by guest speaker Alicia Mitchell, a Cherokee Nation citizen and senior development officer of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, also known as AISES.
During the presentation, Mitchell spoke about the AISES organization and its importance for the Native American Community.
“The American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering and math studies and careers,” Mitchell said.
Because National STEM/STEAM day was one day prior to the event, Mitchell implied it was crucial to discuss the work AISES does and why it is important for STEM/STEAM career fields.
“STEM is the key to ensuring that Native People have a voice in the workforce within (non-Native) companies, institutions and agencies – providing Tribal Nations broader influence and input,” Mitchell said. “To date, AESIS has awarded over $14 million in academic scholarships.”
According to Mitchell, these scholarships provide essential opportunities for Native American students pursing STEM/STEAM careers.
Read more about AISES here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/431534/corps-takes-part-american-indian-science-and-engineering-society-national-conference