Get ready Robeson County, as thousands of college students are expected to pour into the region in late April for the upcoming American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Region 7 Conference at Robeson Community College. 

“This is huge for Robeson Community College,” stated Dr. Kenneth Bowen, the director of institutional research and effectiveness at RCC and one of the organizers of the event. “When you look at Region 7, all the states that will be represented – Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia – RCC is going to be able to host a regional conference for all those people to attend… it’s pretty spectacular.”  

Back in the fall, staff and faculty members attended the national AISES conference in Palm Springs, CA. It was there that connections were made that helped RCC become the host of the 2023 conference. 

“Folks for AISES were impressed with RCC and they asked if we would like to host the regional conference,” stated Bowen. 

“Of course, the answer was a resounding yes,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “We are thrilled to host the AISES Conference and we are so excited about the possibilities that this will bring for RCC, Robeson County, and North Carolina. We are so looking forward to showcasing Robeson Community College, our county, and our region.” 

The mission of AISES is to substantially increase the representation of Indigenous peoples in North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM. It is an organization dedicated to students of all ages and professionals in STEM fields. 

As faculty and staff work tirelessly to plan out all the details for the conference, a team has been assembled to create sessions and activities for the event, and also to obtain sponsorships.

“ETI has already committed to being a sponsor,” stated Bowen. “They plan to present at the conference… and are donating a drone as a door prize for the event.” 

Bowen hopes to get more sponsorships in the days and weeks ahead. Sponsorship levels range from the Eagle Package for $5,000 to the Deer Package which is $100. 

“Every gift is greatly appreciated,” Bowen said. 

Scottie Locklear, a business instructor at RCC and also an organizer of the event, says they are seeking to reach sponsors from all states in region 7. 

“We are looking for local sponsors, but we are also asking other providers in the other states in Region 7,” Locklear said. “We hope to raise enough to start an endowment at RCC for AISES members on campus, so we hope to have enough sponsorships for that.” 

Locklear says that the money raised will also go towards a banquet, catered meals for the event, door prizes, SWAG bags for attendees, and a one-time scholarship.

“Our goal is to hold a drawing to give out three scholarships to students attending during the conference – $500 each,” said Locklear. “The scholarship could go to any student in Region 7, all registered attendees will be automatically entered for a chance to win.” 

Why should you become a sponsor? 

“There is currently a trend that focuses on diversity and inclusion,” Bowen said. “This conference focuses on STEM for Indigenous students, but is open to any and all that want to attend… this conference will give people an opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous culture in the Southeast.” 

It will also be a chance for Robeson County to tell its story. 

Loretta Allen, an instructor at RCC and the leader spearheading the conference, plans to have a cultural exhibition for students during an outing to the Cultural Center in Maxton. 

“We are still working out the details, but it’s going to be a great night filled with Native American heritage and traditions,” stated Allen. “It will be an evening filled with fellowship and it will be an opportunity for students to learn about the Lumbee culture.”  

In addition to STEM, sessions will be offered on wellness and well-being and students will have an opportunity to take part in a college and career fair on campus. 

“We know that it’s going to be a fun and amazing experience for our students as well as those attending from throughout Region 7,” Allen said. “We can’t wait for the festivities to begin.” 

“I’m excited,” Locklear said as he chimed in. “I’m hoping that we have quite a few people come from out-of-state to see what we have put together, and what we have planned.” 

The AISES Region 7 Conference offers opportunities for: