Program Overview

StoryMakers

Youth Leadership Programs

Youth Leaders in Service

Strengthening the Circle

Native Science Field Centers

Native Science Fellows

Nonprofit Leadership Programs

Imagine Montana

Native Science Fellows

Hopa Mountain is piloting an innovative Native Science Fellows program for Native American high school and college students to participate in community-based science organizations in an effort to increase their engagement in higher education and geosciences careers. There are four primary goals: (1) To increase the number of Native American students (ages 15-35) who are engaged in community-based geosciences education and careers; (2) To provide role models and work experience for Native American high school and college students interested in the geosciences; (3) To develop a career ladder network of Native students that are interested in pursuing geosciences careers; and (4) To build a network of community-based science professionals who are committed to the success of Native students and provide on-going support for personal, academic and professional success.  These goals contribute to national goals of developing a diverse, competitive, and engaged workforce. 

Native Science Fellows visit Montana State University April 2, 2010

2010 Native Science Fellows:

Linda Different Cloud-Jones (Catawba/Lakota) is working with BioRegions International, a Bozeman-based nonprofit. She is conducting a research project under Dr. Cliff Montagne, a soil scientist at Montana State University-Bozeman that supports her dissertation research in ecology and environmental science.

Heather Wofford (Cherokee), worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff this spring on a series of computer models and field studies relating to wildlife management. Heather graduated with a degree in agricultural science from Montana State University on May 8.

Jamie Big Back (Northern Cheyenne) is doing a fellowship this summer under Helen Augare, director of the Native Science Field Center at Blackfeet Community College. Jamie graduated with an associate degree in Natural Resource Management from Blackfeet Community College on May 12.

Jessica Crawford (Blackfeet) is currently in the process of completing her fellowship at Heart Butte School, working under Helen Augare. Jessica is helping the science teacher in the middle school organize a youth-led community garden project.

Cody Welch (Chippewa-Cree) is completing a fellowship under field scientist Tim Vosburgh. They are conducting wildlife studies in the Little Rocky Mountains near Zortman, MT. Cody recently graduated with an associate degree in Natural Resources from Stone Child College.

Native Science Fellowships are competitively awarded to geosciences students with support from the National Science Foundation. If you know a promising Native American student that should be encouraged to apply for a Native Science Fellowship for the 2010-2011 academic year, please forward their name to info@hopamountain.org.