NSBE Region II Information
The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
NSBE works to achieve the following objectives.
- Stimulate and develop student interest in the various engineering disciplines.
- Increase the number of minority students studying engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Encourage members to seek advanced degrees in engineering or related fields and to obtain professional engineering registrations.
- Promote public awareness of engineering and the opportunities for African Americans and other minorities in that profession.
To achieve these objectives NSBE Region II activities include…
- tutorial programs
- group study sessions
- high school/junior high outreach programs
- technical seminars and workshops
There is a national communications network (NSBENET).
NSBE publications include…
- two national magazines (NSBE Magazine and NSBE Bridge)
- an internal newsletter
- a professional newsletter (Career Engineer, a supplement in NSBE Magazine).
Other NSBE resources include
- resume books
- career fairs
- awards
- banquets
- an annual national convention
NSBE Jr.’s Mission and Objectives
NSBE Jr. strives for academic excellence by developing an academic support network for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering and the physical sciences. One goal is to increase the number of NSBE undergraduate members receiving engineering and science degrees. Another goal is to increase the number of NSBE members seeking and completing graduate degrees in the fields of engineering and science. A third goal is to increase the number of NSBE members taking advantage of research opportunities.
NSBE Jr. has a variety of programs designed to stimulate interest in STEM subjects for all levels of K-12 education.
Elementary School
FIRST® LEGO® League Junior (FLL Jr.)
This activity is for children in grades K-4 to discover and develop an interest in science and technology. Children learn a real-world scientific concept by working together in teams. They use research, imagination and construction to complete a project that introduces them to science and technology.
The program includes the following activities.
- Design and build a challenge-related model using LEGO® components
- Create a Show Me Poster and practice presentation skills
- Explore challenges facing today’s scientists
- Discover real-world math and science
- Develop team-building skills through engagement in team activities. These teams are guided by Jr. FLL Core Values.
SEEK Program
This three-week program is open to students in the third to fifth grades. It is a commuter-based program for students held at a local elementary or middle school. Each summer NSBE engineering students and technical professionals manage, guide and facilitate the program.
Student program participants experience high-quality STEM education. The SEEK program is based upon a hands-on design curriculum. Students work in teams. They use their knowledge to solve problems and create products. This helps them master the underlying math and science principles used in these processes. Each week, students will work on a new project. Each project ends with a presentation, design competition and physical competitions. Parents are encouraged to attend these events.
Middle School
Ten80 STEM Initiative
The Ten80 STEM Initiative is a supplemental STEM curriculum of Ten80 Education’s
National STEM League. Students in grades 6 through 12 participate in this initiative. The curriculum is centered on Enterprise and Data-Drive Design projects.
Ten80 Student Racing Challenge teams use model radio-controlled cars. During the first few weeks, students learn how these model cars operate. They also learn how to organize the racing car data. Students are “certified” in mechanical systems, data and problem solving skills. For the remainder of the program, students rebuild their model cars with improved parts.
After students have mastered the fundamentals of problem solving, data and mechanical systems, they specialize in an area(s) of personal interest to them. Choices include project management, business and marketing.
NSBE’s Ten80 STEM Initiative finals take place at the annual convention.
High School
VEX Robotics
High school students have the opportunity to participate in a challenging engineering game called the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC). These competitions are a year-round activity. High school students build innovative robots and compete in a variety of matches. These students receive guidance from their advisors and mentors.
In addition to learning valuable engineering skills, students gain skills that will help them for the duration of their careers in STEM professions. These skills include critical thinking, teamwork, communication, project management and perseverance.
The VEX Robotics Competition prepares students to become future innovators. After participation in this program, 95 percent of student participants report an increased interest in STEM subjects. These students go on to pursue higher education that leads to careers in STEM fields.
NSBE’s VEX Robotics championship takes place at the annual convention.
Pre-College Initiative (PCI)
The Professional Pre-College Initiative (PCI) program supports and encourages K-12 participation in STEM. PCI programming ensures that students in grades K-12 will develop interests in future STEM education and careers. This program provides ways to keep young people interested in STEM in various ways. This includes hand-on STEM activities, trivia style academic games and informative talks from real engineers. Other NSBE Professional PCI Initiatives include…
- Scholarships
- Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)
College Initiative
This program helps collegiate counterparts finish their STEM education and training. The program assists engineering students as they graduate from college and university preparatory engineering programs that prepare these students for successful professional employment as engineers.
Technical OutReach Community Help (TORCH)
TORCH is NSBE’s community service initiative. TORCH stimulates enthusiasm for science, engineering, technology and mathematics within African American communities. TORCH offers future career opportunities through STEM education for underserved populations.
TORCH programs are divided into branches.
- STEM community training
- Formal classroom style education in STEM fields aimed at both youth and adults
- Information science and engineering education
Other casual outreach activities show youth how science and engineering can be fun.
- A Walk for Education – a single day outreach event that teaches youth how to prepare for STEM higher educational opportunities.
- Technical Expertise Services – uses technical skills to provide a direct service to the community.
- Traditional Community Service Activities – any other type of community service that includes food/clothing drives or volunteering at a shelter.
Professional Development
The NSBE Professional Development program is designed for technical professionals. These programs develop technical, managerial and professional leadership skills. This year-round program is organized by level of experience. Continuous and sustained development is provided both virtually and in-person. These NSBE Professional Development opportunities prepare technical professionals for future promotions and new career opportunities.
NSBEPreneur
The mission of NSBEPreneur is to promote business ownership, develop the business skills of owners and to provide tools that enable minority owned technology businesses to operate in excellence. A major goal of this program is to make NSBE a resource for other organizations interested in business opportunities with technical minority owned businesses.
Retention Program
The NSBE Retention Program is designed for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The main objective of this program is to increase the number of first-year prospective students interested in exploring STEM career opportunities. These students choose a STEM major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics during their sophomore year. During the third year, students are matched with professional mentors. These mentors help students obtain employment in a related STEM field. The program helps students advance in their chosen STEM careers. The program also works with students to improve their academic performance.
- Skill Development Workshops – These are chapter level sessions designed to help chapter members develop their soft skills. Participants interact with individuals who can aid in their development.
- Study Halls –First year students enrolled in calculus, physics, chemistry and specified engineering subjects receive academic assistance that will help them “excel academically.” Students are encouraged to work with other students, tutors and faculty instructors that help these students understand the difficult course material.
- Academic Mentorship –The academic mentoring component establishes a system of peer accountability and trust. Students are paired with upperclassmen or professionals. These mentors serve as a resource for students.
Other NSBE Region II Activities
The Region II Leadership Conference is an opportunity for Chapter Executive Board Members to gain knowledge and insight about their roles as NSBE leaders. Students participate in a variety of workshops that give them the tools and resources they need to excel in chapter positions.
The Professional Development Conference (PDC) provides many opportunities to learn and network with other engineering professionals and make a positive impact on the community.
Fall Zone summits are a great way for chapters within each zone to get to know one another. Members can participate in activities and workshops targeted to a specific zone.
The annual convention highlights African American students and professionals passionate about STEM. Participates are high achievers in these fields. The convention will feature…
- high-profile speakers
- panel discussions
- dynamic workshops
- networking sessions
- community engagement events
- technical and scientific competitions
- hands-on engineering and science activities
- the premier career fair for African Americans in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)