2022 - 2027

The goal of the Cultivating Indigenous Research Communities for Leadership in Education and STEM (CIRCLES) Alliance is to develop Native-based STEM education activities for K-12 and higher education students. This is done between the partner institutions and their local tribal communities and colleges. Project partners will be developing or building strong relationships with tribal communities and colleges to understand what educational activities are meaningful to their community and support the success of Indigenous/Native American students in STEM.

The STEM Research Center’s role with the CIRCLES Alliance is as collaborative evaluator (with RRG and NP) on the project highlighting ways the Alliance can center indigenous ways of knowing in their activities and providing ways they may respectfully engage with tribal communities and colleges. CIRCLES is funded by the National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES program, which centers diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in STEM education.

Partner Institutions:

• University of Idaho
• Central Wyoming College
• University of New Mexico
• Black Hills State University
• North Dakota State University
• University of Montana
• CIRCLES Alliance

Project Team:

• Reimagine Research Group, Jill Stein and Geanna Capitan
• Native Pathways, Shelly Valdez

Center Team: