ICE-TI: Expanding Tribal College Programming and Preparing the Next Generation of Native Environmental Scientists and Tribal Leaders

Northwest Indian College, Bellingham WA

Investigators

Abstract

A goal of the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) is to increase the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities of specific institutions of higher education. Expanding the STEM curricular offerings and research capacity at TCUP institutions expands the opportunities of their students to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in STEM fields, provides for research studies in novel areas, and encourages a community and generational appreciation for the role of science and mathematics in workforce preparation and addressing local interests. This project aligns directly with that goal, and moreover seeks to strengthen STEM instructional capacity across the Northwest region, build certificate programs designed to increase skills of working professionals, and provide opportunities for advanced degree attainment at Northwest Indian College (NWIC). The purpose of this project is to design, implement, and assess comprehensive institutional improvements at NWIC by focusing on three areas of STEM capacity building including enhancing STEM instructional capacity at satellite campus sites, building post-baccalaureate certificate programs for working STEM professionals, and developing a Master’s degree in environmental science, the first graduate program at the institution. The project has three main goals: (1) increasing student access to undergraduate STEM programming through enhanced distance education, (2) providing working professionals in the natural resources fields with opportunities for professional development through certificate programs that enhance skills and knowledge for workforce development in emerging fields, and (3) increasing access to graduate programming in STEM fields through the development of a Master of Science (MS) degree. All activities are informed by a strong community engagement process and applied research opportunities for students and faculty. This project contributes to the workforce development, economic development, and training of TCUP students and citizens in STEM fields. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.