Raising Washington’s grade in math and science education.
Fact: Science, engineering, and technology employers fall short in hiring women and ethnic minorities.

Among the reasons why: educational programs fail to encourage women and people of color to gain the specialized knowledge needed to enter these fields.

Fact: Industries owned by Native American tribes fill some key high-level positions with non-Native Americans.

Why? Insufficient numbers of tribal members have the education and scientific background to qualify.

Judy Meuth and Sandy Cooper hope to turn these disturbing facts into fiction. The professors collaborate with Native American tribal leaders to offer workshops and courses for educators in seven Washington school districts, highlighting gender and cultural issues that constrain learning. They also open students’ eyes to science- and math-related careers through field trips, hands-on projects, community service, and career planning. Their work, supported by the National Science Foundation, promises to stem the tide of high school dropouts. It empowers girls and ethnic minorities to pursue rewarding technical careers that benefit their communities.

Meuth Research Profile

Cooper Research Profile