STEM Student Leaders across U.S. honored at the 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference for their outstanding work and outreach
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) will recognize student members from Northern Virginia Community College and The College of New Jersey with the 2026 Chapters of the Year Award at the 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA from October 29th to October 31st. These chapters have shown exceptional commitment and achievement in STEM outreach, community building, and student leadership at their institutions. We invite all conference attendees to join these incredible student leaders at the Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception on Thursday, October 29th!
Northern Virginia Community College, 2026 Community College Chapter of the Year
The College of New Jersey, 2026 Undergraduate Chapter of the Year
Additionally, five more chapters will be honored for their outstanding achievements at the Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception on Thursday, October 29th, 2026. Read the outstanding achievements in full detail here.
University of Houston
Outstanding Chapter: Celebrating Culture Award
San Diego City College
Outstanding Chapter: Community Building Award
Scripps Research Institute
Outstanding Chapter: Innovative Science Award
University of Utah
Outstanding Chapter: Leadership in Science Award
University of California, Los Angeles
Outstanding Chapter: Long-Term Sustainability Award
As a national organization, SACNAS Chapters serve as the student-led groups for their local institutions, communities, and areas across the United States. Each student and professional SACNAS chapter develops programming on its respective campus or institution focused on community service, networking, professional development, scientific engagement and providing a welcoming space for its members. As part of its mission, SACNAS supports this nationwide network of 135 chapters largely through direct outreach and year-round contact with each individual chapter.
Every year SACNAS recognizes chapters at its Annual Conference that demonstrate outstanding achievements throughout the past twelve months. This recognition serves as a platform to share best practices across the entire network of SACNAS chapters. Being part of a SACNAS chapter develops students/professionals leadership skills in STEM by providing them the opportunity to attend and lead local events while providing a safe space for them to connect with peers at their institution. Being a chapter leader exposes students and professionals to lead groups by hosting professional development and community engagement events to gain valuable experience in the STEM environment.
SACNAS also wants to celebrate all applicants who applied for an award this year but were not selected, after a competitive review process from the SACNAS Chapters Subcommittee of volunteers. We want to recognize and celebrate the SACNAS Chapters at:
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Baylor University
Dartmouth College
Oregon State University
Texas Woman's University
University of Michigan
University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Vanderbilt University
Yale University
“SACNAS is thrilled to celebrate our 2 chapters of the year and 5 outstanding chapters at this year’s SACNAS Annual Conference in Long Beach! These chapters have provided a great example of leadership to the STEM community, have managed to overcome obstacles and provide a safe, supportive space for all their members in the past year. I also want to recognize all applicants who applied this year, and the rest of the SACNAS Chapters across the nation.” said SACNAS Chapters Manager, Angel Rebollar. “We invite all members and all our other chapters to attend the Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception on October 29th at the SACNAS Annual Conference!"
ABOUT SACNAS
For over 53 years, SACNAS has been committed to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American individuals in STEM—from students to professionals—by supporting their pursuit of advanced degrees, meaningful careers, and leadership positions. SACNAS welcomes everyone to join as members and participate in its programs. Today, SACNAS supports a vibrant and expanding community of approximately 5,300 members and more than 150 student and professional chapters across the United States, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The organization strengthens the STEM workforce through outreach, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities—highlighted by its flagship event, the SACNAS Annual Conference. Discover more about SACNAS and how to get involved at sacnas.org or connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X.