Our Mission: SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership.

SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science) is a national society with a 37-year history of supporting minority scientists and science students. The society is comprised of over 3,000 paid members along with more than 20,000 affiliates and partners from a diversity of disciplines, institutions, ethnic backgrounds, and levels along the educational trajectory. SACNAS members are dedicated to giving back through mentorship, peer networks, and professional development, and to engaging in science research and leadership of the highest caliber. The organization and its members and affiliates are committed to encouraging minority students and scientists to advance to their utmost capability.

• SACNAS Board of Directors – Affiliations, biographies, and photos of current SACNAS board leaders.
• SACNAS Staff – Contact information and directory of staff and service areas.
• SACNAS Membership – SACNAS is an inclusive organization, with a membership that represents the range of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering fields and careers. SACNAS serves, supports, and is made up of researchers, students, educators, and administrators at all levels of education and career stage from diverse ethnic, racial, gender, cultural, and sexual orientation backgrounds. Members work and study in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

• SACNAS Videos – SACNAS, in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, has developed a number of multimedia materials highlighting the work of the organization and showcasing the lives of several members. These moving videos share the work of the organization and its influence in the lives and accomplishments of underrepresented minority science researchers across the country.
• SACNAS Online Brochure – Overview of current SACNAS programs, initiatives, services, and accomplishments.
• SACNAS Historical Overview – Brief description of SACNAS’ history.
• SACNAS Bylaws – SACNAS official bylaws, last updated December 2006.
• SACNAS Strategic Plan (PDF) – In 2009, SACNAS published its most recent foundation for the direction of the organization’s strategic initiatives.
• SACNAS Annual Reports – Each year SACNAS shares information on our achievements and direction to help our members and supporters understand more about the impact SACNAS has on the underrepresented minority scientific workforce.

Through a variety of activities, SACNAS addresses the professional needs of its members at critical stages of science education and career development. The following represent some of SACNAS’ key programs:

• SACNAS Annual National Conference – The organization’s annual meeting has received recognitions and awards for the quality and depth of the mentoring, scientific presentations, networking, and other activities offered, as well as the feeling of welcome and connection that participants experience. The SACNAS National Conference supports students, precollege teachers, postdocs, researchers, faculty, recruiters, program directors, scientific societies, and others, to build professional networks and professional skills:
• SACNAS Chapters – Proving community and leadership development throughout the year, SACNAS chapters support student engagement on 50 college and university campuses across the nation.
• SACNAS Leadership Program – SACNAS offers an innovative training program working with small groups of minority scientists to develop vital leadership acumen.
• SACNAS News – The SACNAS News publication explores current issues within the minority scientific community, celebrate the achievements and contributions of members, and provide resources for academic and professional development. View editions in PDF.
• SACNAS Partners – Through collaborations (e.g., online resources, exhibition program, sponsorships, etc.) with other scientific & minority-serving societies, research corporations and institutions, and educational programs and institutions that share commitment to SACNAS’ mission, the society connects its members with access to career, training, and funding opportunities.
• SACNAS Science Policy – Overview of SACNAS science policy activities.