American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)AISES was founded in 1977 by American Indian scientists, engineers, and educators. 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, and the severe underrepresentation of American Indians in the science and engineering fields, Native professionals resolved to create an organization that would identify and remove the barriers to academic success for Native students.
AISES is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, and is primarily funded by government and private contracts, as well as other donations, contributions, and revenue from individuals and membership dues. Through a variety of programs, AISES offers financial, academic, professional, and cultural support to Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands from early education to professional career development. AISES builds partnerships with tribes, schools, other nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations and government agencies to realize its goals. AISES especially helps Indigenous North Americans and Pacific Islander students prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).