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 – Gila River Healthcare
- March 4, 2026 – NAU’s Honors College
- April 8, 2026 – NAU’s Society of Women Engineers
- 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 May 31st, 2026 for the summer in-person research program
- 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.
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 early 2026
The Summer 2026 program will be offered in-person from May 31st – July 25th, 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 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.
The Summer 2026 program will be offered virtually through zoom from June 8th – July 25th, 2026. Arizona and non-Arizona residents are welcome to apply to the program.
We are accepting up to 10 virtual participants. All participants will receive:
- At-home chemistry experience
- Mentor experience
- College preparation through professional development sessions (resume writing, college applications, etc.)
- A stipend (if participant is in good standing throughout program duration. Stipend amount TBD)
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. All students must be at least one of the following:
- 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 for the in-person research cohort
- 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
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, Community Program Coordinator
Dr. Naomi Lee, CARE Program Co-Director
Dr. Joslynn Lee, CARE Program Co-Director