San Juan, Puerto Rico — September 26, 2025— The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) has recognized two student chapters from Puerto Rico with prestigious national awards, highlighting their outstanding contributions to diversity, leadership, and community engagement in STEM.

The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras SACNAS Student Chapter received the Community Building Award, which honors chapters that excel at bringing people together to achieve community in STEM. The chapter was distinguished for providing meaningful professional growth opportunities, fostering unique community-building activities, promoting extensive member participation, and strengthening collaborations with organizations across disciplines. Their outreach initiatives and impactful community service further demonstrated their commitment to inclusion and belonging in STEM.

Meanwhile, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla SACNAS Student Chapter earned the Leadership in Science Award, which recognizes chapters that empower teams and create a welcoming, supportive culture where every member can thrive. The chapter stood out for its strong engagement with the broader community, reflection of SACNAS’s mission in all activities, innovative strategies to advance chapter goals, and dedication to outreach and networking initiatives. Their adaptability and creativity showcased the power of student leadership in advancing STEM diversity.

“These awards reflect the extraordinary talent, passion, and leadership of our student chapters in Puerto Rico,” said Dr.Ingrid Montes, Chair of the Professional SACNAS Chapter in Puerto Rico. “However, we want to extend our respect and admiration to all student chapters in Puerto Rico because all of them exemplify the mission of SACNAS by creating inclusive spaces and empowering the next generation of scientists. The awards will be formally presented at the 2025 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, Colombus, Ohio-Oct 30-Nov 1, the largest multicultural. STEM diversity event in the country, where thousands of students and professionals gather annually to celebrate science, culture, and community.