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.
To achieve these objectives NSBE Region II activities include…
There is a national communications network (NSBENET).
NSBE publications include…
Other NSBE resources include
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
Other casual outreach activities show youth how science and engineering can be fun.
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.
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…