Summer Research Institutes

Summer Research Institutes provide Native American students an opportunity to complete an introductory STEM course and conduct hands-on research for four weeks during the summer.

Students participating and completing the institute receive a $1,000 stipend.

Summer Institutes scheduled for 2023 include the following locations:


Oglala Lakota College (Kyle)

OLC has summer research opportunities for both high school and undergraduate students.

Summer Bridge Program

  • Who: High School Students
  • When: May 26 – June 16
  • Where: Zoom, various field collection locations in the western/south western part of the state, and the MST building at the OLC Piya Wiconi College Center, Kyle, S.D.
  • Students participating and completing the institute receive a $1,000 stipend.
  • Engage in authentic, hands-on interdisciplinary research experiences integrating Lakota ways of knowing during the summer. Option of earning 3 science credits toward an undergraduate degree for juniors and seniors.
  • Complete program applications are (be sure if taking for credit that you get your OLC application process started ASAP, as you will need to be enrolled in BIO 113 People and the Environment by May 30, 2023).


Sinte Gleska University (Mission)

Sisseton Wahpeton College (Sisseton)


Lower Brule

The Lower Brule Summer Institute encourages area high school students to participate in research projects in June and July involving collecting data, analyzing and presenting the results. Lower Brule Community College graduates and students will support the student research.

Contact Devon Ritter, , or Esibelle Estes, , for more information.


Eagle Butte and Pierre

Students are working on projects between June 14 and July 29.Contact Bree Oatman, , for more information.

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