OEHE Grant: Increasing AI/AN Representation in Sanitation and Engineering Fields

The purpose of this program is to increase representation of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields by increasing visibility and awareness of lesser-known STEM applied public health occupational and student opportunities as well as the benefits of these opportunities. Sanitation and engineering fields are often overlooked as applied public health STEM fields even though their work is the foundation of public health through providing and maintaining sanitary facilities and environments for homes and health care facilities. For example, the primary STEM occupational opportunities within the OEHE include civil and environmental (sanitation) engineering, general (health facility) engineering, and environmental health (sanitarian) professions (herein after collectively referred to as “sanitation and engineering”).

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is identified as a single (sole) source for this cooperative agreement. The AISES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity and leader in STEM opportunity in Indian Country with both a membership base and Board of Directors that is 100 percent American Indian. Its current membership is over 7,000 individual student and professional members, 248 pre-college chapters, 199 college chapters, 20 professional chapters, and 3 Tribal chapters.