The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a vibrant and dynamic community of Black scientists, engineers, and students from a wide array of disciplines and backgrounds. For students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida, as well as other engineering disciplines across campus, NSBE serves as an invaluable resource, providing mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that help shape future engineering leaders. Originally founded as a support network for Black engineering students at Purdue University, NSBE has grown into one of the largest student-run organizations in the United States. With over 30,000 members across the globe, it has proudly celebrated more than 50 years of fostering academic excellence, professional development, and empowerment within the Black engineering community.
NSBE’s mission is to build a supportive community dedicated to the development of culturally responsible Black engineers—a space created by Black engineers, for Black engineers, where members can collaborate, uplift, and empower each other. While NSBE’s core focus is engineering, you don’t need to be an engineer to join; the organization offers a wealth of opportunities that extend beyond the field of engineering. For example, Alexandra Davidson, the Gator Chapter Membership Chair, began her journey in NSBE as a chemistry major.
“I was part of a mentorship program, and my mentor happened to be the president of NSBE at the time. She encouraged me to go to one of the meetings even though I wasn’t an engineer, and from my very first meeting I knew that NSBE was the right place for me,” she explained.
A hub for professional development, NSBE offers exclusive workshops in collaboration with big companies like ExxonMobil and Bloomberg. Unlike Career Fair, these sessions are smaller, allowing participants and company representatives to get to know one another. This is a great opportunity for students to work on their resumes and interview skills while networking with recruiters.
NSBE members enjoy exclusive access to conferences, where they can connect with students from other collegiate chapters and engage with industry professionals. These events are highly anticipated by NSBE participants nationwide, providing a platform to strengthen cross-chapter relationships and foster a sense of unity within the broader NSBE community.
Beyond that, NSBE offers mentorship programs for students at every stage of their academic journey. One such initiative is Trailblazers, a two-semester program for first-year students designed to help them engage with campus resources and build connections. The program provides a valuable opportunity for students to make new friends and develop the skills needed to navigate college life.
Abigail Scott, a second-year mechanical engineering student, participated in Trailblazers in her first year and now serves as the External Assistant Director of the program. Reflecting on her experience, she notes that being a Trailblazer significantly eased her transition to UF and gave her a head start compared to her peers. Because she had to apply for Trailblazers, she gained experience in advocating for herself professionally, and while in the program she had access to even more opportunities to practice essential skills. For Abigail, Trailblazers was a stepping stone to personal growth and a gateway to invaluable experiences.
NSBE is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Their Pre-College Initiative (PCI) focuses on organizing outreach events for K-12 students, exposing them to engineering and inspiring a passion for STEM fields. Additionally, the Gator Chapter actively contributes to the Gainesville area by hosting roadside cleanup days, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship and making a positive impact on the local community.
UF MAE values the impact of NSBE in fostering both personal and professional growth, and we take pride in seeing our engineering students actively engaged in such a supportive and empowering organization.
There’s always something exciting happening at NSBE meetings! The Gator Chapter keeps members updated through regular posts on their Instagram, so be sure to follow along for details on special events. With its strong focus on fostering a sense of family, NSBE ensures that everyone has a place within the organization—and it’s never too late to get involved and become a part of their vibrant community.
Story & Editing by: Katherine Canev
Marketing & Communications Student Assistant
Design & Editing by: Christi Swiers
Marketing & Communications Specialist
UF Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
February 25, 2025