While the fields of science and engineering have steadily been increasing in stature and importance within our society, participation by minority students, especially American Indians, has remained extremely low. Hence the main long-term objective of the Summer Institute (SICS), which is housed at the campus of the University of California, Irvine, is to encourage students who have demonstrated a commitment to American Indian education, to pursue higher education in technology.

Through working closely with university faculty and corporate liaisons, SICS participants gain the confidence to pursue higher education which leads to challenging technology careers and tremendous personal achievement.

The specific subgoals of SICS are the following:

• encourage American Indian students to transfer from 2-year colleges to four-year research institutions such as UCI,
• offer students the opportunity to explore both academic and professional careers in science and engineering,
• provide early research experience with dedicated faculty mentors,
• allow students to develop and enhance problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills,
• promote the retention of American Indian students in the fields of science and engineering,