Students revitalize National Society of Black Engineers chapter

A group of students are working to revitalize Grand Valley's National Society of Black Engineers chapter, founded in 2000. 

The national organization is designed to help increase minority enrollment in graduate and undergraduate engineering programs. 

In March, the School of Engineering sponsored a group of students to attend the NSBE National Convention in Boston, where chapter president Tamarind Forbes said she met fellow aspiring African American engineers.

"Meeting students, professionals and recruiters at a national level and learning more about what is required to receive internships, co-ops and jobs, set a fire in all of us and motivated us to work harder," said Forbes, a sophomore from Southfield who is majoring in product design and manufacturing engineering. 

Forbes became interested in engineering at a young age. Her mother worked for General Motors for more than 30 years, and, in high school, Forbes had the opportunity to shadow a GM engineer. 

Wael Mokhtar, director of the School of Engineering, serves as the group's faculty advisor. He said a group of students approached him this year about reestablishing the student organization on campus. "Diversity is a core value both in the School of Engineering and the engineering profession," he said. 

Forbes said the newly reinvigorated chapter's goal is to increase the number of black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. 

"Ultimately, we want to enlighten, uplift and connect with African American students who are interested in STEM careers," said Forbes. 

The group currently meets Wednesdays in the Kennedy Hall of Engineering on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The group will host bi-weekly events starting in the fall.