Building Our Future: National Society of Black Engineers

At the 13th Annual Champs Celebration, presented by Kalsec, the National Society of Black Engineers was honored with a 2020 Champ Award which was sponsored by Humphrey Products and Lake Michigan Credit Union. Kalamazoo Central High School’s CIS Site Coordinator Jennifer Miner introduced us to this dedicated group of college students who champion children. [If you missed this virtual event, you can click here to watch the Champs Celebration. At the 29-minute mark,  Max Doggett,  current External Chair of the Western Michigan chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, accepts the award on behalf of his team.]

For the past five years, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at Western Michigan University has been working through CIS to funnel six to eight volunteers from their society to support Kalamazoo Central High School students. Two times a week, these engineering students consistently share their time, talents, as well as their stories with our students. Together, they build upon each other’s work, constructing something bigger than themselves.

Principal Valerie Boggan loves seeing the positive impact they have with students. We share her appreciation for this partnership. These engineering students create enthusiasm around learning and shine a light for our kids. The National Society’s mission is: to increase culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. To see this mission in action is powerful and shines a light for our students.

Working with young people is like building a very important building, something bigger than the Empire State Building and more impressive than the Eiffel Tower. Through their very presence and listening, these engineering students are inspiring our kids to be the best students and people they can be. A young person realizing their full potential is a more impressive sight than even the great pyramids of Egypt.

National Society of Black Engineers, thank you for helping kids stay in school and succeed in life.

Tags: culturally responsible, Humphrey Products, Jennifer Miner, Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalsec, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Max Doggett, National Society of Black Engineers, Principal Valerie Boggan, Western Michigan University