Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science

The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is a society that aims to further the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American students in obtaining advanced degrees, careers, leadership positions, and equality in the STEM field. Founded in 1973, SACNAS has over 20,000 members and 110 chapters on college campuses across the United States and United States held territories.^[1] SACNAS began in junior and high schools through graduate and undergraduate programs with the purpose of mentoring students of minority backgrounds. The society does not discriminate against any group, and benefits African American, Asian American, and white students, as well as those who are in the social sciences.^[2] In the past decade alone, SACNAS has experienced major growth. The society experienced an increased participation rate of 40% for their annual conferences between 2005 and 2010, while jumping from 32 to 50 chapters of SACNAS on college campuses across the nation between 2007 and 2010. The society's revenue increased as well, moving from 2.3 million to 3.8 million from 2007 to 2010, a total growth of 65%.^[3] In 2001, SACNAS received the Public Service Award from the National Science Board, and in 2004 received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.^[4]

Mission

The proportion of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans who hold advanced degrees and positions in STEM fields is very small in comparison to the rest of the population. In universities across the United States, only nineteen percent of the graduate student population in the biological sciences and twelve percent in physical sciences are historically underrepresented in the science fields.^[5] Research suggests that one's identity affects a student's success within STEM related fields, in the sense that those who see themselves or elder members of their communities as scientists are more likely to succeed as scientists.^[6] SACNAS works to increase the number of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans who hold advanced science degrees, positions in science research, leadership, and teaching careers. They also seek to establish increased governmental commitment toward advancing Chicano/Hispanic and Native American success and inclusion in the STEM fields, through advocating for public policies that support this aim.^[7] While achieving this goal, those at SACNAS maintain a set of values that includes an inclusive approach toward all ethnicities, cultures, and scientific disciplines, a focus on having a real impact, a commitment to high standards of excellence in education and science, mindfulness of the importance of the K-12 educational experience, and a devotion to full engagement of members in their work.^[8]

— SACNAS

Strategy

SACNAS released a strategic plan in April 2011, titled Vision 2020, which outlines the society's goals for the next decade, the vision for SACNAS in 2020, and how the board of SACNAS plans to achieve both. SACNAS plans to continue to uphold its mission statement and values by expanding the society's membership base, heighten the support and resources offered to students and professionals, further engage in policy and advocacy for the advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM fields, foster partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and companies (resulting in scholarships and internships for members), and build organizational capacity and information technology.^[9] SACNAS has been noted for using social media and online networking as a way to diversify the STEM fields and counteract the geographic isolation that many minority groups aiming to succeed in science face.^[10] SACNAS is also dedicated to increasing the amount of graduate and post-graduate funding available for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, which is key to increasing their numbers in STEM fields.^[11]

Yearly Programs

SACNAS holds several different yearly programs that aim to increase Chicano/Hispanic and Native American participation and success in science. As part of their strategy to support Chicano/Hispanic and Native American students and professionals, SACNAS holds an annual conference, The National Diversity in STEM Conference, which consists of workshops, scientific presentations (which students can apply to partake in), motivational speakers, and networking events.^[12] SACNAS even provides funding for lodging at and travel to and from the annual conference in the form of scholarships. By 2010, the student researcher participation had increased from 543 to 883 over the course of five years.^[13] Along with the National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS holds two leadership conferences a year with the goal of developing leadership skills and preparing minority groups to take leadership positions in STEM fields at all levels.^[14] SACNAS has 115 professional and student chapters across the nation, which provide a local community and support, as well as opportunities in science, leadership, and development for members. Chapters are encouraged to host two SACNAS Regional Meetings each spring. Regional meetings are an opportunity for surrounding chapters, members, high schools, and professionals to become informed on upcoming SACNAS events and opportunities, while also providing the opportunity for chapters to network and students to share the research in a scientific community. Within the larger SACNAS community, the society has also created an online Native American community, which provides the learning, teaching, networking, and mentoring resources necessary to succeed in STEM for Native American students.

Board of directors

The SACNAS board of directors provides governance, leadership, supports fundraising efforts to the organization. The board is composed of ten members in total: four officers, seven members at large, two student members, and one board liaison. Like the society as a whole, the board of directors represents a broad spectrum of backgrounds and careers in STEM. SACNAS President Lino Gonzalez, PhD, is a senior scientist at 23andMe. Secretary Sonia Zarate, PhD, is the Program Officer for Undergraduate and Graduate Science Education at Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Treasurer Allyn M. Kaufmann, PhD, is a Research and Development Group Leader for the Procter and Gamble Company.^[15]

Awards

SACNAS gives various awards at The National Diversity in STEM meeting^[16]. These include the Distinguished Scientist Award and the Distinguished Mentor Award. Past recipients of the Distinguished Scientist Award include: Fred Begay, Richard A. Tapia, Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Donna Nelson, Eloy Rodriguez, Jorge Gardea-Torresdey, Enrique Lavernia, Margaret Werner-Washburne^[17], Elma Gonzalez Miguel José Yacamán, and Adriana Briscoe.

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