Introducing the “Champions of Diversity” in the Academic Kickoff issue proved a timely reminder of the mission of Diverse during the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of Cox, Matthews and Associates, the founder of the former Black Issues in Higher Education and publisher of Diverse. In this edition, the editors at Diverse unveil its second slate of Champions, defining further the promise and vision committed organizations and individuals have put forth to bring about an inclusive U.S. society. By now, it’s more than clear that Champions bring diversity and excellence together as harmonious and complementary values. It should also be clear that Champions deserve recognition for the transformative and vital work that they do.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Founded in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society has substantially increased the representation of American Indian and Alaska Natives in engineering, science and related technology fields. Through a variety of educational programs, AISES offers financial, academic and cultural support to this underrepresented group from middle school through graduate school. AISES currently has over 160 college chapters nationwide, including 23 at tribal colleges. The organization administers five distinct scholarships, provides internship opportunities for college students at a variety of agencies, offers professional development activities for teachers and develops culturally appropriate curricula and publications. To achieve its goals AISES builds partnerships with tribes, schools, other nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations and government agencies.
The Civil Rights Project
Founded in 1996 at Harvard University, The Civil Rights Project is a multidisciplinary research-and-policy think tank dedicated to social justice. Initially focused on education reform, the CRP has convened numerous national conferences, issued an abundance of reports on desegregation and commissioned in excess of 400 research and policy studies revolving around diversity in education. Most notably, CRP work was cited by Supreme Court justices in a landmark 2003 ruling upholding affirmative action in college admissions. Last year, the CRP moved to the University of California, Los Angeles, and adopted a new name, becoming The Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles, expanding its focus to include immigration and language policy issues.
