The Martinsville Henry County National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) hosted its 25th Year Celebration on May 10. The celebration, held at the New College Institute (NCI), honored the contribution that the NSBE has made to the area, as well as its esteemed members. The event was held shortly after the society celebrated several wins during a large convention in Atlanta.
Helen Howell said more than 200 people attended the organization’s recent celebration, which was a time to reconnect.
“We saluted our charter and alumni members. We were able to journey through 25 years of educational development and their community impact locally, nationally, and worldwide,” she said.
The formal event honored charter and alumni members.
“We were able to journey through 25 years of educational development and their community impact locally, nationally, and worldwide,” Howell said. “It’s an awesome event. We were grateful so many attended.”
The NSBE helps empower young students to seek out careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
During the event, NCI executive director Joe Sumner pledged $25,000 to the organization, noting that NCI wants to provide support to the next generation of STEM leaders in the community.
Not only does the organization promote professional development, but its members volunteer to help around the area. For example, several members helped out at the Grace Network Mattress fundraiser held the following day.
The NSBE celebrated several achievements during the 50th Annual Convention in March.
“The students and their parents had the opportunity to participate in workshops, the career fair, college fair, and competitions,” Howell said, adding that an estimated 20,000 attended that event, including the Martinsville and Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter.
Several students placed first in Future City, placed second in KidWind Middle School and were invited to attend the KidWind World, placed third in Black History Middle School, placed second in First Lego League Robotics, placed fifth in MathCounts, placed 21st out of 35 teams in Ten-80.
NSBE is always open to new members, whether pre-college, in college, or professional. Membership information can be found online at www.nsbe.org. Applications are also available through the school, from members, and at NCI.
