Poster Abstracts

University of Arizona

UA/Sloan Foundation Native American Partnership

The University of Arizona-Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Partnership is a unique program designed to address the national need for academically prepared Native Americans who can help spur economic development in their communities and reservations and occupy leadership positions in colleges and universities, government and the corporate world. The program focuses on providing support to Native Americans interested in earning a master's and/or doctoral degrees in one of 59 graduate programs offered by the University of Arizona in science, engineering, mathematics and agricultural fields (SMET fields). Fifteen (15) fellowships each year are available to support Native American students who are bona fide members of a federally recognized tribe.

The University of Arizona (UA) is a Research Extensive institution, a member of the Association of American Universities, and a land grant institution, recognized as one of the top public academic institutions in the U.S.. The National Science Foundation ranks the UA consistently among the top 15 institutions in research expenditures. The UA is also one of few institutions in the country that houses the Colleges of Agriculture, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and a regional Cancer Center in the same campus, providing exciting opportunities for research and learning.

The University of Arizona has a strong track record of enrolling and graduating Native American students at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral level. Approximately 550 undergraduates and 250 graduate and professional Native American students currently attend the University of Arizona. In its first year of existence, the UA/Native American Partnership has sponsored 15 graduate students who are currently pursuing master's and Ph.D.s in SMET fields at UA. A similar number of new applicants are presently being considered for support during the 05-06 academic year.