Indigenous STEAM

Indigenous Student Life and STEM Pathways at Portland State University

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Portland State University prides itself on being recognized by AISES as one of the Top 200 colleges and universities for Indigenous students. PSU enrolls more than 1,100 Indigenous, Native American, First Nations, and Alaska Native students. That presence is reflected across campus through:

Native American Student Services
Native American Student and Community Center
Student clubs like United Indigenous Students in Higher Education, AISES, SACNAS
NATIONS mentor program focused on Native American/Alaskan Native student experience and culture
Annual community gatherings, including the Naimuma Pow Wow, Salmon Bake, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and the Honor Day Graduation Ceremony

Indigenous knowledge is embedded in academic pathways across PSU. We offer an:

Indigenous Nations and Native American Studies major and minor
Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK) certificate
Indigenous Health concentration as part of Public Health Studies major

Learning spaces include our Oak Savanna restoration site and a First Foods kitchen classroom and Indigenous library inside the Vernier Science Center. Across disciplines, our students connect community, research, and professional preparation in ways that reflect their priorities and the needs of the nations and communities they serve.

Whether you plan to study in STEM fields or pursue another path, PSU offers rigorous academic programs paired with research opportunities, internships, and community-based learning. Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are present across campus, creating space for you to build your expertise, expand your network, and graduate prepared to lead in your field and in your community.

Planting The Seeds: How PSU is becoming a home for Indigenous STEM

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Pre-College Programs & Events

PSU offers programs for students in kindergarten through high school to introduce STEM education and build on their skills before entering college.

Pre-College

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Undergraduate Programs

At PSU, students have a range of programs to choose from that can all lead to careers in STEM fields. Explore our programs to get more information.

Undergraduate

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Graduate Programs

PSU offers competitive graduate programs that give you the opportunity to work with renowned faculty and conduct innovative research.

Graduate

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Indigenous Nations and Native American Studies

Our major and minor focuses on studies and practices of Tribal critical race theory, decolonizing methodologies, traditional and cultural ecological knowledge, and contemporary themes.

Indigenous Studies

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Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK)

Our undergraduate certificate provides students with a unique and beneficial skill set at a time when public agencies and nongovernmental organizations are incorporating ITECK into climate change planning, land restoration, and management practices.

ITECK

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Indigenous Health

Our undergraduate concentration, as part of our Public Health Studies program, prepares students to understand the health issues impacting Indigenous peoples, and uplift community-based and community-driven solutions for health-justice, wellness and equity.

Indigenous Health

Tuition Benefits

PSU and the state of Oregon offer many grants and scholarships for Indigenous, Native American, First Nations, and Alaska Native students including the resident tuition rate and other tuition benefits.

Through the Oregon Tribal Student Grant, the state of Oregon will cover the cost of attendance (total estimated expenses for one year including tuition, food and housing, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and other miscellaneous expenses) for the academic year for enrolled members of one of the nine Oregon federally recognized Tribes who meet the state's eligibility criteria.

Oregon residents may also be eligible for PSU’s Tuition-Free Degree program, where PSU covers the cost of tuition and most mandatory fees.

Building Connections at PSU

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in STEM.

Institute for Tribal Government

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.

Northwest Environmental Justice Center

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.

Pacific Islanders Club

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

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.

United Indigenous Students in Higher Education (UISHE)

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.

View All STEM Student Groups & Organizations

Support Programs

Ignite Scholarship & Mentorship Program

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.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

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.

McNair Scholars Program

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.

Navigating Access to Indigenous Opportunities through Networking and Support (NATIONS) Program

Nationas is a one-year program designed to support first generation, low-income first year students during their first year at PSU by providing academic advising, help with identifying and setting academic goals, and referrals to campus and community resources. In addition to these support services, students participate in a college success class. 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.

Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE)

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.

View All STEM Support Programs & Scholarships

Events & Gatherings

Annual Naimuma Pow Wow
Salmon Bake
Indigenous People’s Day
Honor Day Graduation Ceremony
Changing Currents Youth Tribal Water Summit

Culturally Affirming Spaces

Native American Student and Community Center

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

Vernier Science Center

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).

Oak Savanna and ITECK Center

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.

Land Acknowledgement

We honor the Indigenous people whose traditional and ancestral homelands we stand on, the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Watlala bands of the Chinook, the Tualatin Kalapuya and many other indigenous nations of the Columbia River. It is important to acknowledge the ancestors of this place and to recognize that we are here because of the sacrifices forced upon them. In remembering these communities, we honor their legacy, their lives, and their descendants.