National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Partnership Exposes Students to STEM Careers

July 29th, 2019

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with the Howard County Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. (HoCo NSBE Jr.) to promote academic excellence, technology awareness and personal development for Howard County students. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Friday, July 26 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, HoCo NSBE Jr. will work with HCPSS staff to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs and initiatives that provide leadership training and career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5-12. HoCo NSBE Jr. will support students by serving as classroom speakers for STEM related topics, providing resources for parents to explore STEM opportunities at home, and participating on HCPSS advisory and school committees. HCPSS students will be invited to participate in HoCo NSBE Jr. competitions, personal development trainings and community STEM events.

Howard County Board of Education Chair Mavis Ellis, Board Member Chao Wu, HCPSS Executive Director of Community, Parent, and School Outreach James LeMon, Executive Director of Program Innovation and Student Well-Being Caroline Walker, Coordinator Academic Access and Achievement Sheree Whitby, Black Student Achievement Program Specialist Nicole Brown and MESA Howard County Coordinator Raymond Lucas joined Howard County Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Founder Richard Butler and Chapter Advisor Ronald Royster to sign the formal agreement at the July 26 event.

The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. NSBE Jr. provides a Pre-College Initiative program designed to stimulate the interest in STEM with the goal to encourage students in grades K–12 to attend college and pursue technical degrees.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.