Cherokee Nation Sponsors Educational Trip for 56 Area Students
TAHLEQUAH, OK — Opening the door to a world of opportunities, the Cherokee Nation recently sent 56 Cherokee students from 11 different schools to the 30th Annual American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Conference in Anaheim, California.
“Learning not only the substance of math and science but the process of critical thinking provided by math and science are very important,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “AISES, and the educational programs and opportunities that it provides to young people, like this conference, helps us to advance those critical skills necessary for success.”
The trip was sponsored by Cherokee Nation’s Education Services, a division of the tribe that provides comprehensive education programs for citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Education Services operates and maintains school and departmental offices related to Head Start, Sequoyah Schools, Talking Leaves Job Corps, and Higher Education, as well as Cherokee culture and language programs.
Among those students attending the conference was Katie Nix, a senior from Grove High School and a Cherokee citizen. Nix presented a project that she had previously entered in the Native American Science and Engineering Fair (NASEF), where Nix was selected as a Grand Award Winner. Nix’s presentation focused on visual adaptation to low light levels and the factors that affect adaptation.
NASEF is an annual science fair developed by AISES for American Indian students. The science fair is an important component of the AISES effort to support Indian education.
“It was a big honor to present my project at the AISES conference,” said Nix. “The organization is so supportive, and everyone is extremely interesting. I’m so grateful to the Cherokee Nation for making this trip possible for me and my fellow students.”
According to Nix, being a part of AISES is a great way to mingle with other students from different tribes and a way to learn about their cultures.
“Education Services funded the trip to help students be better prepared for college,” said Daniel Faddis, Outreach Specialist. “AISES is a great way to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and math to our youth.”
Schools sponsored by the tribe to attend the conference included Sequoyah Schools, Grove High School, Gore High School, Wagoner High School, Westville High School, Cave Springs High School, Owasso High School, Claremore High School, Catoosa High School, Locust Grove High School and Oaks Mission.
According to organization literature, the goal of AISES is to increase the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science and other related technology disciplines. The organization was founded in 1977 by American Indian scientists, engineers and educators. These founding professionals resolved to create an organization that would identify and remove the barriers to academic success for Native students. Today, AISES offers financial, academic and cultural support to American Indians and Alaskan Natives from middle school through graduate school through a multitude of educational programs.
Each year the organization holds a national conference that attracts participants from across the United States. This year’s three-day event included a career fair, nationally-recognized speakers, panel discussions and workshops for students, teachers and professionals.
“I am so thankful that the Cherokee Nation holds math and science in such high regard,” said Kelli Steen, Grove High School teacher. “Two of my students have never flown, so this is a big deal.”
One such student was Felicia Stephenson also a senior at Grove High School. A novice flyer, Stephenson was nervous and excited about attending the conference.
“I was scared to fly,” said Stephenson. “As excited as I was about making the trip, I was nervous. But, it was worth it. I had a great time and am so thankful to the Cherokee Nation for providing me with this opportunity. I can now say that I have been on an airplane and next time it won’t be nearly as scary.”
Cara Cowan Watts, Tribal Council representative of Rogers County, attended the conference and understands personally the impact that AISES can have on a student and believes that AISES is inspiring to those who attend.
“As a young student, AISES gave me the opportunity to learn how to travel for business which helped me to transition from rural Oklahoma to corporate life,” said Watts. “When Indian people gather at AISES Nationals, our young people see how important it is to focus on academics. Leadership is both knowledge and continued learning. I am proud of the students that attended this conference. The Cherokee Nation was represented by an incredible group of high school students.”
For more information about Cherokee Nation Education Services contact (918) 453-3865.