Indigenous STEAM

Students are most successful when they have a network of other Native students, as well as professionals who can provide ongoing support while they are pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies. AISES provides exactly this critically needed support through its programming. 

BUILD EXITO is an undergraduate research training program that supports students on their pathway to become scientific researchers.

CyberPDX is a no-cost 5-day residential summer STEAM camp at Portland State University designed to introduce Native American and Indigenous high school students to cybersecurity skills, principles, policies, and careers through an interactive STEAM curriculum and career exposure. No prior experience is necessary, and beginners are we

The EAGLES program - a collaboration between PSU and Heritage University - provides scholars with financial assistance, advising and mentoring from faculty and professionals in the scientific community, and opportunities to participate in undergraduate research and paid internships.

Ignite aims to increase the success of students in their pursuit of healthcare careers by providing social, career, and academic-oriented supports while reducing financial barriers and increasing the time students have available for activities to support their success. Ignite mentors are supported by a $5,000 scholarship.

The Institute for Tribal Government serves elected tribal governments from across the nation and also provides training to local, state and federal government agencies and others who are interested in learning about tribal government.

LSAMP provides mentorship, activities, events, and research and internship opportunities for students from racially underrepresented groups pursuing and earning a bachelor's degree in STEM fields.

The McNair Scholars Program works with selected first-generation, low-income and under-represented undergraduates who want to pursue PhDs. McNair scholars conduct research under the supervision of faculty mentors and create effective strategies for getting into and graduating from doctoral programs.

NATIONS is a one-year support and mentor program for first-generation, low-income, first-time students. The program focuses on the Native American/Alaskan Native student experience and culture, and is designed to assist new students in their transition to PSU through academic support and community-building activities.

The Northwest Environmental Justice Center provides frontline communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington with free, direct technical assistance, training, cohort learning and leadership development, ethical storytelling, systems change and accountability.

The Pacific Islanders Club organizes cultural and social events to enhance the campus experience and education of PSU and Pacific Islander students, and provides a safe space that fosters a sense of belonging. The annual lū’au is the club's premier event of the year.

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is an inclusive national organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. 

Our mission is to promote native and tribal cultures, education, healthy lifestyles, and the promotion of native self-determination. We strive to help students maintain their individual traditional indigenous customs and achieve success in higher education. We also provide a base for cultural education to the non-Native community.

U-RISE recruits, trains, and mentors students from historically underrepresented groups to continue biomedical research training. Trainees are undergrads who are committed to pursuing advanced education, research training, and a research career in a biomedical, behavioral, social, clinical, or translational field.

NASCC is a gathering space to celebrate and empower student success through culturally relevant programming, academic support, and intergenerational community engagement.

Indigenous sciences at PSU will soon be centered in PSU’s new undergraduate science building with a First Foods Kitchen Classroom, an Indigenous Library, and gathering area that supports an expanded curriculum and practice of Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK).

Students and faculty have been tending the five-acre land and reclaiming it for food, medicine and ceremony. The ITECK Center, once renovated, will include community space, an indoor/outdoor kitchen and an Indigenous library for tools and other items of cultural significance.