Cultural and Academic Research Experience
The CARE program aims to increase the number of students that represent the Southwest including Native Americans in science, technology, engineering, math, and medical (STEMM) fields by engaging high school students at an earlier age through culturally relevant training in chemistry, biology, and healthcare fields.
2026 Spring Workshop
The Spring workshops allow students to gain perspective into different areas of STEM, learn from a professional in their field about what they do, and how they got to where they are now. Every month (once a month) is a new topic, with a different speaker, or multiple speakers. Each workshop has a unique hands on activity implemented with the speaker’s topic.
Participants in good standing from the Spring events will receive priority enrollment processing for the Summer 2026 CARE program.
- February 4, 2026 – TBD
- March 4, 2026 – TBD
- April 8, 2026 – TBD
- May 6, 2026 – TBD
Dates and topics are subject to change.
You can attend either virtually or in-person. All events will be held on NAU campus from 5-8pm AZ time.
To comply with federal funding eligibility for CARE has been modified:
- Interested in chemistry and/or STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, medical)
- Is a military affiliated child (dependents of active duty/veteran) or attend a military connected school.
- 16+ years by June 1st, 2026
- under 16 year old participants will be determined on case-by-case basis
If you do not meet any of these criteria you are still welcome to apply.
This paperwork needs to be submitted to Kaelyn.Acothley@nau.edu by January 23, 2026 upon acceptance. We have created 2 useful videos to help you fill out the important documents and vendor authorization form.
- Assumption of risk, waiver, release, and consent for non-student minor participation
- Behavioral expectations of non-student minors
- Disclosure and approval of one-on-one interactions with non-student minors
- Non student minor image release
- Code of conduct
- Vendor authorization
The supplementary safety plan does not need to be signed, but does need to be read and reviewed by the participant and their parent/guardian.
What a great opportunity for our Native youth to participate in all these programs. It’s a great stepping stone for them before they venture into college.
2026 Summer Research Program
Application will open January 2026
The Summer 2026 program will be offered only in-person from June – July 2026. The virtual program has been put on hold until Summer 2026. Arizona and non-Arizona residents are welcome to apply to the program.
We are accepting up to 20 in-person participants. All participants will receive:
- Hands-on research experience
- Mentor experience
- College preparation through professional development sessions (resume writing, college applications, etc.)
- A stipend up to $4,500 (if participant is in good standing throughout program duration)
- honors dorm housing
- Meal plan/meal stipend
- Automatic admittance into the Honors College at NAU on successful completion of the program*.
- *Participant still has to apply to NAU as an undergraduate and submit a housing portal application
- All Honors fees waived
All participants must:
- Be available for 90% of the sessions.
- Prior approval for absences are required.
- Be available from 9am – 4pm MST.
- Breaks will be provided throughout the day.
To comply with federal funding eligibility for CARE has been modified:
- Interested in chemistry and/or STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, medical)
- Is a military affiliated child (dependents of active duty/veteran) or attend a military connected school.
- 16+ years by June 1st, 2026
- under 16 year old participants will be determined on case-by-case basis
If you do not meet any of these criteria you are still welcome to apply.
This 2025 schedule will closely resemble the 2026 summer schedule
Required paperwork will be uploaded here when the application is live.
I am amazed to see that my daughter has so much ambition and so talented and endured all these new studies. This program has helped my daughter to explore a different outlook of socializing, teamwork, and to be more creative.
For more information, contact the CARE staff here
CARE staff:
Kaelyn Acothley, Program Coordinator
Dr. Naomi Lee, CARE Program Director