STEM Workforce
The AIHEC’s STEM Initiatives support Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in advancing STEM education, research, workforce development, and Tribal Nation-building. Through partnerships, professional development, research collaboration, and funding opportunities, AIHEC works to strengthen STEM pathways that address Tribal, local, and regional priorities.
The initiative supports TCU faculty, staff, and students through curriculum development, research engagement, cyberinfrastructure capacity-building, and opportunities that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
AIHEC collaborates with Tribal Colleges, federal agencies, higher education institutions, and national organizations to expand access to STEM resources, research opportunities, and workforce development programs across Indian Country.
$900,000+
Total amount of awards to TCUs to support STEM Workforce programs
14
TCU Projects awarded
4
Four Building Bridged grant cycles
Key Initiatives
TCU Building Bridges Grant
AIHEC, in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, launched the TCU Building Bridges Grant Program, a STEM funding opportunity for TCUs to strengthen STEM programs, infrastructure, learning opportunities, and student engagement.
Funding may support:
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- STEM instrumentation and equipment
- Course and curriculum enhancements
- Faculty professional development
- Collaboration with NASA researchers and engineers
- STEM enrichment activities, workshops, conferences, and competitions
Grant recipients will also receive technical assistance from AIHEC and NASA to support projects.
Additional information about the next grant cycle and application opportunities is coming soon.
Questions? BuildingBridges@aihec.org
Native FEWS Alliance
The Native FEWS (Food, Energy & Water Systems) Alliance is focused on the crisis in access to food, energy, and water in Tribal communities and the lack of educational and career pathways available to Tribal peoples to address this crisis within their communities. AIHEC is a founding partner of the Native FEWS Alliance and supports the participation of TCUs in student programs and foundational grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in AIHEC STEM programs?
Programs and opportunities are designed for Tribal Colleges and Universities, including TCU faculty, staff, researchers, and students pursuing STEM education and career pathways.
What types of STEM areas does AIHEC support?
AIHEC supports a wide range of STEM fields, including research, engineering, environmental science, cyberinfrastructure, technology, workforce development, and STEM education initiatives connected to Tribal community needs.
What is the TCU Building Bridges Grant Program?
The TCU Building Bridges Grant Program is a STEM funding opportunity developed in partnership with NASA to support Tribal Colleges and Universities through infrastructure improvements, curriculum development, student research opportunities, faculty professional development, and STEM engagement activities.
What organizations partner with AIHEC STEM Initiatives?
AIHEC collaborates with federal agencies, higher education institutions, and national organizations, including NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), USDA, Department of Energy, AISES, Internet2, and other STEM-focused partners.
Have questions about this program?
Contact us at info@aihec.org