In this global economy, it is more important then ever to have a diversified work force. Pamala Silas, executive director of the American Indians Science and Engineering Society (AISES), says: "It's an exciting time to work in the field of diversity because there is a recognition that a variety of perspectives lead to innovation."
According to Silas, American Indians offer a unique perspective because of their cultural connection to the earth. In times when the planet is suffering, this angle is a powerful tool in all sectors of the American work force.
"The native perspective [is] based on cultural upbringings through the way that the communities live in the United States, having sovereign nations and having that unique history," Silas says. "We definitely can bring a unique perspective to scientific and technological innovation, and companies are recognizing that."
Because of this recognition, AISES begins the process of preparing its youth for careers in science and engineering as early as grade school. This starts American Indians on a path to excelling in the U.S. work force and gives them the ability to bring that skill set back to Indian land.
"We have a thing called the 'Full Circle of Support,'" Silas says. "Basically, we use a Native American medicine wheel," which symbolizes four quadrants. AISES's first quadrant offers support, education and guidance to American Indian children in grades K--12 or pre-college. The organization then supports those students through their higher education, which is the second quadrant. The third quadrant is known as the professional quadrant, and the fourth quadrant is their impact in the industry, the field and the world.
"You might have an IBM [recruiting executive] who says, 'We've got to remain competitive in the United States. We need to recruit top talent and talent with diverse backgrounds because that's where creativity comes,' and that's a global impact," Silas says. "So they come into the circle and we ask them if they're going to partner with us to embrace this model so that they're there to support us at science and career fairs, they're there for the kids, and [they] provide training and skill-building workshops for the professionals and college students."
Connecting the students early in their education with companies such as IBM helps recruitment efforts for the future.
"Companies keep an eye on the students as they go through their education," Silas says. "Then at the end, they are definitely looking for them. For example, if the student got an IBM scholarship through AISES, then at the career fair, the IBM professional could say, 'I remember your story. Wow, you're graduating this year? Well, these are the positions available.'"
So if you are working for a company looking to recruit top American Indian talent, don't drop the ball by waiting until students are in their senior year of college. Get involved in engaging youth in careers in which they may not have imagined themselves to be successful. Here are a few tips on recruiting top American Indian talent:
Partner with an organization specific to American Indians
Silas encourages companies looking to recruit American Indian talent to connect with an organization such as AISES and to get involved with students through their educational careers.
"AISES is a network of Native Americans who are interested in the field of science, engineering, technology and math. The STEM field is what they call it," Silas says. "We have about 2,500 members, and half are students who are pursuing undergraduate-, graduate- or doctoral-level educations."
Understand the unique blend of American Indian culture and the American work force
American Indian culture has a deep connection with the earth, and with the state of emergency the planet is in right now, that connection is more important than ever.
"[There's an] expression that Native Americans look to the 'seventh generation,' and we think that it's really important what we're leaving behind in this world for that seventh generation," Silas says. "There are critical issues facing us right now that have to do with things like climate change, water and air quality, how we're managing our land, how we're providing food, and all the science behind that. If we're going to have an impact seven generations from now, we've got to start to address these issues now. We've been saying now more than ever that there's a need for native culture and native perspective along with Western science training to try to impact these human problems moving forward."
Put America back in the race for science and math
In 2005, a major report from the U.S. National Academies on the state of science and engineering in America called "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" was released. It warned that the United States could soon lose its worldwide lead to other nations that have been investing aggressively in science and engineering education and research.
Although Congress passed the America COMPETES Act last August, which vowed to double the physical sciences' research budgets in key agencies, the funding got lost in the government's budgetary meltdown. Even when the fiscal 2008 numbers were approved last December, somehow the funding Congress penciled in for the act disappeared.
But corporations and organizations like AISES do not have to wait on Congress to get the youth excited about careers in science and math. Silas says the use of role models has had a great impact.
"Role models like John Herrington, a NASA astronaut who has done a space mission, and Karletta Chief, former Miss Navajo Nation, who just graduated a year and a half ago with a doctorate in environmental sciences, are perfect examples of [American Indians] who are so Indian in [their] walk. They've mastered these skill sets and they're using them for the betterment of our communities and the world," Silas says. "So when you're given a message about why this is important, you've got to put some real faces in there in front of the kids. They need to meet regular people like them who are scientists and engineers."
Piquing the curiosity of the youth is extremely important, according to Silas. "Curiosity is the first element to get them excited," Silas says. "My workshop is called 'What's the Scoop on Bison Poop, and Other Tales.' Because if I told them, 'Come to a science and engineering workshop,' you think they'd come? So we want to [access] that curiosity at the youngest age."
Getting kids excited about innovation and the impact they can have to the country is a sure way of securing the United States' place in the world's top talent pool.
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