Massbay National Society of Black Engineers Chapter marks first chapter at a two-year school By Andrew Knight

Now one of the world’s largest student-led organizations, the National Society of Black Engineers has been working to enable Black Engineers to “excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community” since their founding in 1975. This past semester, this mission was brought to the Massbay campus.  

Massbay’s first NSBE chapter was founded by student AJ Miller.  An NSBE organization had been previously attempted at Massbay, but Miller had the first successful bid, attributing his success to his continued involvement in the society.  Miller first crossed paths with the organization when he took part in a Roxbury STEM program funded by NSBE, where he was able to build a rapport with members of the organization and was shown the ropes at an NSBE mixer.  Miller said the event was a great help in both making connections within the organization and showing him what such an organization should look like.  Since then, he has stayed involved in the organization through weekend volunteer work and keeping contact with members he has crossed paths with along the way.  

The Massbay extension of the organization marks a historic chapter in the NSBE organization, becoming the first community college to sponsor the organization. NSBE has previously shied away from two-year schools, as the short-lived nature of the student's tenure at the institution may lead to chapters dying out as students move to the next chapter of their lives. 

In an interview with Miller, he explained,

“The biggest challenge I faced was pitching it to the board… In order to start the chapter they wanted to know that at least 10 students were committed… They wouldn’t want a chapter that was going to die out within a year or two.”

He had to prove to the NSBE Region 1 board of directors that there were going to be students committed at all levels of their academic journey.  For 4 months he had worked to push the chapter to where it is today, currently sitting at around 20 members.  The opportunity of a scholarship is a major selling point for students of the organization, with Miller along with three other Massbay students already having been awarded a scholarship through NSBE.  Beyond scholarships, involvement with the society offers opportunities to get your foot in the door with other engineering projects.  From furthering your academic career to establishing yourself in the professional community, NSBE will have your back in establishing your position in the engineering world.  

Massbay’s chapter is currently awaiting board approval from NSBE, but Miller is confident that that step is on the horizon.  Once the board approves their constitution, the Massbay NSBE chapter will be holding a launch event with more information on the club, as well as opportunities for networking and involvement.  Until then, you can find more info on the Massbay NSBE chapter on the clubs and organization section of the Massbay website.  

Sources AJ Miller,

“About Us.” NSBE, https://www.nsbe.org/About-Us. Accessed 28 March 2024.

Article By Andrew Knight