NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
Timeline
In 1971, Purdue University students Edward Barnette and Fred Cooper recognized the severe lack of support for Black engineering students, as nearly 80% were dropping out of the program. To address this, they proposed the creation of the Black Society of Engineers (BSE) to the dean of engineering, who approved the initiative and appointed Arthur J. Bond, Purdue’s only Black faculty member, as advisor. With Barnette serving as the first president, BSE became the foundation for what would later evolve into the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE Boston Professionals was established in 1988 during the 14th Annual NSBE National Conference, when the organization launched the NSBE Alumni Extension (NSBE-AE) to keep graduating seniors connected and expand professional involvement. Renamed NSBE Boston Professionals in 2013, the chapter has since supported Black engineers and STEM professionals across the Boston area through programs focused on career development, technical excellence, community engagement, and professional networking.
