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DECEMBER 2024

Your Financial "Checkbook"

According to a recent study from FinanceBuzz, nearly two-thirds of Gen Zs don’t own a checkbook. Gone are the days when you’d write down every dollar that came in or went out of your account in balanced checkbook ledger. Today, most people manage their finances online. But the idea of a checkbook as a space where you track your funds on a regular basis is key to financial success. Here are a few ways to create a financial “checkbook” that works for you.

 

Find a Manageable Tracking Method

Whether you prefer pen and paper or a digital format, determine what medium works best for you to oversee your funds. With so many different kinds of transactions — paying for books, dining out, filling the gas tank, shopping — it can be easy to lose track of when and how you spend your money. Choose a method such as spreadsheet, a banking app, or even a paper journal to keep track of your funds. Be sure to note both how much you are spending and what you are earning so that you have a holistic view of your finances at all times.

 

Create a Realistic Budget

A recent survey from Civic Science found that 76 percent of adults are at least “somewhat careful” about budgeting their monthly income and 32 percent of the general population have turned down an invitation to socialize due to budget constraints. Creating a budget allows you to look ahead and understand your current balance of available funds — and what you may need moving forward. It also allows you to create space for unexpected expenses so that you don’t blow your budget.

 

 

 

 

Your Path to a Foreign Service IT Career
The , funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides up to $43,500 annually for two years in academic funding toward your IT-related bachelor’s or master’s degree program! Plus, you get two paid summer internships, professional development and mentoring. At the end you become a Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer. Apply today!

 

 

ON TOPIC

One Cent at a Time

Money matters can be overwhelming, so start your financial journey on the right foot. Form some savvy, money-saving habits now and carry them with you through life. Little things add up, so don’t discount any effort you make to start saving.

 

Buy Secondhand items

Textbooks are expensive. Before shelling out the full price, try to find a used books at reduced prices. Seek out students who completed your upcoming classes and search online stores to comparison shop. When available, consider e-books — not only will they lighten your backpack, but they’re typically cheaper than a physical textbook.  

 

Similarly, connect with students who are moving out of the dorms and may be selling their gear. Buying a used fridge, microwave, or coffeepot will certainly help your wallet. The same is true if you need to furnish an off-campus apartment. Secondhand stores and garage sales often have basic household items — and even a few treasures — just waiting to be put to good use.

 

Take Advantage of Campus Offerings

Many colleges provide amenities and services to students — use them. For example, there may a free shuttle service that can take you to and from stores, restaurants, medical facilities, or other places near campus. Rather than spend money on a gym membership, use the recreation or athletic center on campus to work out and even take Zumba, yoga, or spin class. Keep an eye out for information about free campus events like movie or comedy nights, day trips, concerts, and the like. Think about all the fun you can have — and money you can save — by taking advantage of these opportunities.

 

 

 

 

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• work to solve the most challenging issues for the nation.

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CAREER CORNER

GOING PLACES WITH AISES

STUDENT RESOURCES

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

Survey Says

We genuinely care about your feedback. Help us boost the Winds of Change success by taking part in our . All respondents will now get a Winds of Change mouse pad. Other prizes will be announced in 2025. Thank you!

 

 

Get the AISES Nation App Today

The AISES Nation app is a space for AISES members to come together, share their cultural knowledge, celebrate each other's successes, and build community. This virtual hangout is your one-stop-shop to make meaningful connections and easily access all the amazing AISES programs in one place! To download the app, go to the App Store/Google Play store on your phone and type AISES Nation. You can also join the platform online .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAREER CORNER

To help you on your journey to determine a career pathway, each month we'll highlight one STEM profession and how you might use that career to support and build your tribal community after earning your degree. Many career paths are worth exploring — even those you've never heard about. Keep an open mind as you learn about various options within STEM, and discover your path to opportunity.

 

MATERIALS ENGINEER

Materials science and engineering majors often focus on a specific sub-discipline, such as plastics, electrical materials, metals, ceramics, or biomaterials. Coursework will include physics and a lot of advanced chemistry. Materials scientists are needed in diverse industries, which means their careers can span from computer manufacturing and automotive sectors to the military. 

 

What they do:

Materials engineers evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. They create new uses for known materials. These engineers also work with composite materials, typically specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Different types of materials engineers include metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers. 

 

A person in this career:

  • Reviews product plans and makes recommendations for material selection based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. Supervises the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. 
  • Analyzes product failure data and laboratory test results to determine the causes of problems and develop solutions. 
  • Conducts or supervises tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. 
  • Plans and implements laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. 
  • Designs and directs the testing or control of processing procedures. 
  • Monitors material performance and evaluates material deterioration. 
  • Performs managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. 
  • Plans and evaluates new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary. 
  • Guides technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. 

How can I use this type of career to help my community? 

Support the economic development of your tribal nation by developing materials for tribal community purposes or global production of materials or devices.

 

For more about STEM careers, check out the .

 

PK–12 STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Battelle/Future Engineers – Remote

U.S. high school students are challenged to research past and future impacts of climate-related hazards in their community, including drought, wildfire, flooding, and extreme heat, then develop a proposed action to help build a more resilient community. Entries must include a written explanation of your proposed climate action, title, and an image of a “poster” that supports your climate action. Your climate action should explain at least one way your community can prevent, withstand, respond to, or recover from a climate-related event. Your entry should also address how you plan to make your solution a reality. Enter by Feb. 7.

  

Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress – Shepherdstown, W.V.

NYCALC works to build student confidence in their cultural identity as they learn about Indigenous traditions and the environment across the United States and territories. This week-long Congress engages students as they develop conservation leadership skills and build their knowledge and abilities to build resiliency in their communities. Rising high-school seniors from federally recognized tribes in the United States and territories are encouraged to apply by Feb. 28.

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Medtronic – Remote

In 2019, Ryan M. Thompson established a scholarship program dedicated to empowering students in their pursuit of higher education and academic dreams. This scholarship honors Thompson's legacy as the founder of the Medtronic American Indian Employee Resource Group, recognizing his commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of American Indian students. Eligible degrees for this scholarship are STEM, health and sciences, and biomedical engineering. Apply by Jan. 20.

  

Santa Fe Institute – Santa Fe, N.M.

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) program is a 10-week residential experience in complexity science research. Students can select from a menu of projects, or develop a project in collaboration with their mentor(s). Through a series of seminars and workshops, students enhance their skills as researchers and prepare for the next steps in their academic and professional journeys. There is no tuition for this program. Students receive a stipend of $700 per week, for a total of $7,000 over the course of the program. All UCRs are provided with housing and meals at no cost to them and travel support to/from Santa Fe, N.M.

  

MDA SPACEOntario, Canada

MDA Space Ltd., a trusted space mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced the launch of a new MDA Space Indigenous Student Scholarship program, designed to help develop the next generation of industry leaders while promoting STEM education and opportunities in the space industry within Indigenous communities. In partnership with Indspire, an Indigenous national charity dedicated to investing in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, the MDA Space Indigenous Student Scholarship will be awarded to five Indigenous post-secondary students enrolled in STEM-related programs. Apply by Feb. 1.

  

University of Chicago Data Science Institute – Chicago, Ill.

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago. In the program, students are paired with data science mentors in various domains, including: computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Through this pairing the research assistant will engage with and hone their skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. Apply by Jan. 12.

 

GRADUATE/POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES

Union of Concerned Scientists – Remote

The Science for Public Good Fund is a grant program for Union of Concerned Scientists’ Science Network members who want to use their expertise for efforts to support the public good. Apply for up to $1,500 of financial support for advocacy actions, community building, or other efforts to advance equitable science-based policy, with an emphasis on addressing local impacts. In addition to the funding, you’ll get hands-on coaching and resources to assist you in planning impactful and informative actions and events. Apply by Jan. 6.

 

National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program – Gulf of Mexico Region, United States

The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, and public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region. Fellows who have completed a MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $58,000. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $63,000. Apply by Feb. 26.

 

Civil Engineering Department at the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Circularity Impact Program at UMN trains graduate students in policy, STEM, and other relevant fields about the circular use of water, energy, and materials. In this interdisciplinary cohort-model program, students take core classes, work with an Artist in Residence who uses social practice arts to broaden their perspectives, hone critical skills for a career in circularity, and participate in an internship related to their research and academic work. Competitive fellowship funding is available, plus financial support for travel, conference attendance, and stakeholder discovery. Applications for graduate students at the University of Minnesota to join this program are due by Jan. 10 to join the program in Fall 2025.

 

 

AISES wishes you a safe and joyous holiday. We'll see you in 2025!

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