Native American Diversity

As a Chemistry Major, I read a lot of scientific articles that are based on research conducted in a laboratory and provide insight into my field of study. Within my department there are many faculty members that are well versed in the language of science and the problems that all scientist are facing. One of the most sought after answers to a large problem is the diversity, both gender and race, in the science field. After finding my problem, I began to research a solution and I found a website that is dedicated to assist in 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. The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics

These people were the first people in their communities to receive PhDs in science, the first Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans to be hired in their departments, and the first mentors for a new generation of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists. This caused them to create an organization to encourage more of their own race to enter STEM fields. Over 40 years later, SACNAS has helped hundreds of students achieve both doctorate and master degrees and award approximately $5M in financial support from federal grant funders and conference sponsors. In addition to the financial aid, the groups are located across the country and in Puerto Rico and range from top research universities to community colleges and high schools. The website can be accessed by different audiences such as undergraduate students, minority students, K-12 Education, etc. thus providing the information to a wide audience. Information, like this, is important to attract the target group of minority students in certain

Also, I noted that I was able to access this website through a graduate university’s website, which represents that it must be a trustful website and a helpful organization. While viewing the website, one can see how the group truly helps their members, through job opportunities, institutional partnerships, and student leadership roles. Each of these things help encourage or assist minority students to pursue a degree in STEM fields. Also, the website’s publisher is the SACNAS and this site can be used in my research to help me understand the relationship of minority students to the STEM field. The website is very timely, and up to date with new contact information listed which is very concurrent. Furthermore, the organization has received many prestigious awards. SACNAS received the the 2002 National Science Board's Public Service Award for the contribution to the scientific community and in 2004, the organization also received the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) for their mentoring work and ability to increase underrepresented minority participation at all levels in science, math, and engineering. Overall, the website is helpful in finding information that will help me in developing the variables to look at while conducting my