Wabanaki Youth in Science

MISSION

WaYS’ mission is to inspire and support persistence in the sciences for Native youth by providing long-term educational opportunities that weave Indigenous ecological knowledge with western science.

VISION 

Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) envisions a paradigm shift toward a societal and environmental recognition of the value of Indigenous knowledge in our educational system and lives. We see Wabanaki youth learning and thriving on their homelands, using and sharing Indigenous knowledge and western science to address the environmental and social challenges of our times.

Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) is a grass roots, community-based education program started in 2013. With initial support from the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) Program, WaYS’ programs are consistently providing increasing numbers of in-depth opportunities to Maine Native youth. Our varied educational programs encourage persistence in science through collaborations with Cultural Knowledge Sharers and western science professionals at camps, after school programs, and mentor-led internships. WaYS research indicates that the inclusion of Cultural Knowledge within western science as an equal and integral part in post-secondary academia enhanced learning for Native and non-native college science students.

With strong support from Wabanaki communities and our grant partners, WaYS continues to grow - welcoming more students each year and expanding opportunities to engage in long-term natural resource projects across Wabanaki homelands and with partnering environmental organizations. These hands-on opportunities include meaningful internships alongside Cultural Knowledge Sharers and western science professionals, opening pathways into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) careers while ensuring Indigenous Knowledge remains at the center of every experience.