Society of Black Engineers Established at Valparaiso University

The College of Engineering at Valpo has a new professional development and experiential learning opportunity for students, thanks to a student-driven initiative to develop a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

The chapter will champion the fundamental objectives of the NSBE — excelling academically, succeeding professionally, and positively impacting the community.

“NSBE at Valpo is a place of comfort, familiarity and support for minority students,” said Chelsea Borders ’19, who was fundamental in bringing a chapter to Valpo. “All students are encouraged to join as we seek to produce graduates who value and support diversity and stand alongside minorities within the STEM fields.”

NSBE at Valpo focuses on increasing awareness and interest in various engineering disciplines and careers among younger, underrepresented students. Last year, they participated in a STEM youth football camp led by Kawann Short, defensive tackle of the Carolina Panthers and East Chicago, Indiana, native. Recently, they launched Girls Who Code, a free after-school program for middle school students to build computer science tools to impact their community.

Valpo’s College of Engineering is home to a variety of student organizations, including discipline-specific professional groups as well as the Society of Women Engineers, Valpo Robotics, and WAVES (Working Across Vocations Everywhere through Service). These co-curricular organizations assist students in developing the leadership skills valued by their future employers in addition to social and service opportunities. Several Valpo chapters of nationally affiliated organizations have received recognition for their excellence, creativity, and leadership.