The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize their fullest potential and impacts the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. What better way to fulfill this mission than by impacting students in high schools at a young age? The SHPE Jr. Chapter Program develops the pipeline of future STEM leaders and innovators while also increasing the ability of Hispanic youth, their families, and their communities to reach their fullest potential.

SHPE Jr. Chapters are established by local SHPE Student and Professional Chapters in partnership with school administrators. SHPE Jr. Chapter members receive mentoring and develop leadership skills through the active involvement of SHPE Chapter members, corporate sponsors and community volunteers. Upon graduating from high school, SHPE Jr. Chapter members are encouraged to continue their involvement in SHPE by joining SHPE Student Chapters in college and then SHPE Professional Chapters as working professionals. This SHPE membership pathway provides a supportive, lasting network of Hispanic STEM peers throughout their academic and career journeys. The main goals of the SHPE Jr. Chapter Programs are to:

 

Increase the number of Hispanic students who graduate high school and pursue STEM degree programs through college preparedness workshop and activities

Increase confidence and leadership skills 

Convey a positive attitude towards academic excellence

Encourage and support parental commitment to education

Increase access to college for Hispanic students

Increase cultural awareness of Hispanic contributions to STEM

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NJIT SHPE currently has two SHPE Jr. chapters in Newark, NJ, a third SHPE Jr. chapter in West New York, NJ, a fourth SHPE Jr. chapter is in Jersey City, NJ, and finally one chapter in Passaic, NJ. These schools are Eastside High School, Barringer High School, Memorial High School, Alexander D Sullivan Elementary School, and Passaic High School respectively.