Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers into STEM (HOIST)

The current HOIST program is a continuation of the HOIST project founded in 1994 by Upward Bound and Idaho EPSCoR at the University of Idaho. This educational initiative involves a partnership between the 11 University of Idaho MOU Tribes as well as with the schools and community organizations affiliated with these tribes and the University of Idaho.

Since 2007, the Native American Student Center (NASC) has been responsible for HOIST management and administration. NASC works in coordination with university researchers and instructors, Native American leaders and educators, and professionals and organizations in the Moscow community and surrounding areas. This network provides leadership and support for HOIST, influences decisions pertaining to the program and assists in program growth and development.

The primary goal of HOIST is to increase the number of students from the 11 MOU reservations to pursue post-secondary studies and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). A major component of HOIST is the summer program for high school students that operates in July. This camp focuses on STEM-related research and instruction and is held at the U of I Moscow campus. The summer program exposes students to different options and opportunities available through secondary education and STEM studies.

The general goals of HOIST are:

• To increase the number of students pursuing STEM field careers from the 11 U of I MOU Reservations
• To improve the quality of the high school math and science education received by the 11 U of I MOU Reservations
• To increase family and community knowledge of and involvement with student education

Objectives for achieving the HOIST goals include:

• Providing high school students with hands-on experience in STEM- related university research projects and programs
• Exposing students to various professional career options and opportunities in the STEM fields.
• Educating high school students and their parents about the college experience, university application process, financial aid opportunities and university resources.
• Encouraging family and community participation.
• Encouraging students to complete high school and pursue post-secondary studies.
• Encouraging students to enroll in science and mathematics courses beyond the basic requirements for high school graduation.
• Stimulating student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by relating these fields to Native American culture during HOIST classes, workshops and other activities.
• Providing high school teachers with mini-grants to fund teaching materials.
• Initiating and maintaining cooperative ties between public, private and tribal agencies for the purpose of expanding the HOIST program.

Each summer, approximately 15-20 high school students from the 11 U of I MOU Tribes, are selected to participate in research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math in the HOIST summer program.

The program includes project-based Math, English and Science classes, as well as activities and presentations put on by researchers, instructors, professionals and other experts. Students also go on field trips that are relevant to these fields of study and participate in internships with University of Idaho research groups and Moscow businesses.

Student participants in the program range from high school freshmen to graduated seniors. Students eligible for admittance include those who have completed the ninth, tenth or eleventh grade, as well as graduated seniors who have committed to attending the University of Idaho the following fall. Students apply by submitting a completed online application.

HOIST supports teachers that teach in one of the schools located on any one of the 11 U of I MOU Reservations. If you are interested, reach out to HOIST to discuss opportunities at natives@uidaho.edu or 208-885-4237.