National Society of Black Engineers and Scientists (NSBE)

To increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers & Scientists who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

In 1975, NSBE was founded by two Purdue University students hoping to combat the 80% of black freshman dropping out of the school’s engineering program. NSBE is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the U.S. and helps improve the recruitment and retention of Black engineering students across the country. NSBE-UCSB is the premier organization for Black students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Our mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers and scientists who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. 

NSBE-UCSB is a member of the national organization with affiliation to Region Six.  Through the support of the national organization, UCSB MESA Program, UCSB Office of Education Partnerships, the UCSB College of Engineering, and corporate sponsorship, NSBE-UCSB upholds our mission statement as well as the national directives. NSBE’s UCSB chapter not only supports Black students in the STEM fields but also promotes STEM to pre-college students.

NSBE connects Black engineers with the academic, professional, and developmental resources to succeed in their field. We attend national NSBE conferences, link STEM students with industry and academic opportunities, and facilitate on-campus workshops. Every spring break, our chapter attends NSBE's week-long Annual Convention. Here, members can connect with other engineers across the country, learn tips about applying for graduate school, and can even be recruited for jobs or internships. 

Professional Development

NSBE connects Black engineers with the academic, professional, and developmental resources to succeed in their field. We attend national NSBE conferences, link STEM students with industry and academic opportunities, and facilitate on-campus workshops. Every spring break, our chapter attends NSBE’s week-long Annual Convention. Here, members can connect with other engineers across the country, learn tips about applying for graduate school, and can even be recruited for jobs or internships. 

Community

Connections are important, especially as a minority in academia and STEM industries. NSBE’s close-knit family builds strong relationships among UCSB students, campus staff, mentors, and recruiters. NSBE coordinates with our sister organizations to familiarize college-bound minority students with the exciting side of secondary education and encourage them to pursue STEM careers. We plan to develop more high school outreach throughout the year. 

Meet the NSBE Team