About us
Who We Are
A community-rooted 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native American youth through culturally grounded STEM education in Rhode Island.
Our story
Where It All Began
It started with a single day. In July 2021, Summer Gonsalves was asked to bring together 4 to 6 Native American youth for a field study at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island. What showed up was something far greater: over 80 participants, ranging in age from a few weeks old to individuals in their 80s. Some families had four generations on-site that day.
That one-day pilot became the seed of something lasting. From that gathering, the program grew into a multi-week summer camp experience for Indigenous youth — offered completely free of charge. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day, because we believe nothing should stand between a young person and the chance to learn, explore, and belong.
Our campers have gone canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing in both fresh and saltwater, swimming, seine netting, dip netting, shellfishing, and hiking regularly through the landscapes of southern Rhode Island. They have practiced archery, taken field trips to local aquariums, Tree Trails, and Prudence Island, and learned from tribal members who have come on-site to share their knowledge and craft.
Cultural teachings are woven into everything we do. Youth have made jewelry, cornhusk dolls, moccasins, pottery, hunting bows, rattles, and painted together. They have done leaf rubbings and kept nature journals. They have made jonnycakes, lemonade, and strawberry moon tea together — learning that Indigenous knowledge lives not just in books, but in hands, in kitchens, and on the land.
The program's impact is already coming full circle. A young man who attended as a camper in 2021 — that very first summer — just graduated high school and returned this year as a college intern. He is now heading off to college. That journey, from curious kid at Ninigret Park to young adult stepping into his future, is exactly what Indigenous STEM RI was built for.
Today, our flagship program is hosted at Kettle Pond in Charlestown in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We currently serve approximately 30 youth each summer, and we are growing — expanding programming throughout the year while keeping our community intentionally close-knit and culturally grounded.
Why We Do This Work
Indigenous STEM RI educates and empowers Indigenous youth through culturally grounded STEM education, hands-on learning, mentorship, and connection to Indigenous knowledge, to strengthen cultural identity, preserve Indigenous teachings, and support educational advancement among Native American youth.
Where It All Began
Our Inaugural Event — Summer 2021
The first Indigenous STEM RI camp launched at Ninigret Park in July 2021 — bringing together youth, families, and community members for a week of hands-on learning, cultural connection, and outdoor exploration.
Our board
The People Behind the Program
Summer Gonsalves
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Summer co-founded Indigenous STEM RI with a Bachelor's in Health Studies and a Master's in Public Health, and years of professional experience in environmental, public, and occupational health — including work as an environmental scientist. A member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and a parent to camp participants, she leads the organization's vision, programs, and partnerships.
Sierra Spears
Vice President & Cultural Facilitator
Sierra is a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and a parent to a camp participant. As cultural facilitator, she ensures that Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and cultural identity remain at the heart of everything Indigenous STEM RI does — guiding the integration of tribal teachings into every program, activity, and gathering.
Melissa Maldonado
Secretary
Melissa supports the organizational operations of Indigenous STEM RI, keeping the board and programs running smoothly. Her dedication to the mission helps ensure that every detail of the program serves the youth and families we work with.
Jeffrey Higgins
Board Member
Jeffrey brings valuable perspective and commitment to the board of Indigenous STEM RI, supporting the organization's growth and its mission to serve Native American youth across Rhode Island.
Our partners
Rooted in Community
Indigenous STEM RI is built on relationships — with the land, with tribal communities, and with organizations who share our commitment to Indigenous youth.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Our primary program partner, providing the Kettle Pond Visitor Center in Charlestown, RI as the home of our summer camp. Their support of Indigenous-led environmental education is foundational to our work.
Narragansett Indian Youth Ambassadors
A vital community partner connecting Indigenous STEM RI with Narragansett youth and families, helping to ensure our programs are grounded in the local tribal community.
Wiquapaug Eastern Pequot Indian Tribe
A tribal partner whose relationship with Indigenous STEM RI strengthens our reach and our commitment to serving Native American youth across the region.
Generations Retreat and Grow Farm
A community partner supporting the connection between Indigenous youth, the land, and sustainable growing practices — weaving together cultural knowledge and hands-on learning.
Narragansett Indian Tribal Senior Meal Site
A community partner that reflects our commitment to intergenerational connection — linking the wisdom of elders with the curiosity and energy of Indigenous youth.
Funders & supporters
Thank You to Our Funders
We are deeply grateful to the foundations and donors whose generosity makes our programs possible. Indigenous STEM RI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — all donations are tax-deductible.
Dollar a Day Fund
Grant FunderWe are proud recipients of a grant from the Dollar a Day Fund, whose support has helped make Indigenous STEM RI's programming possible for Native American youth in Rhode Island.
Visit Dollar a Day FundInterested in supporting Indigenous STEM RI?
We welcome foundations, grant funders, and individual donors. Reach out to learn about sponsorship opportunities.