LAS VEGAS, NV – At last year’s Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference and Tradeshow (OIGA), Aristocrat Gaming announced it was deepening the company’s long-standing relationship with AISES, a national non-pprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous people in science, technology, and math (STEM) studies and careers, by providing a donation of $500,000. The funds are focused on supporting several AISES programs, including the newly established Resources for Indigenous STEM Education (RISE) Fund.
With the 2024 OIGA conference next week, Aristocrat Gaming has remained committed to supporting Indigenous students, professionals, and tribes. Applications for the inaugural RISE Fund scholars recently closed and more than 80 applications were submitted. Review of the applications is currently underway and 20 undergraduate students will be awarded scholarships as they pursue a field related to casino gaming (software development, technology, supply chain, etc.). With the first RISE scholars beginning this fall, these funds will support them in career and professional development, education programs, internships, and workforce development opportunities for up to eight semesters to prepare the next workforce generation and diversify industry talent pipelines.
“Our commitment to future generations remains steadfast,” said James Starr, VGT President. “It’s important for us to show our dedication through action, and that is what this first RISE Fund class represents. Providing scholarships and opportunities to Indigenous people continues to be a top priority for Aristocrat Gaming and a pillar in our community efforts.”
