Funding to support organization’s ongoing efforts in youth, collegiate, and professional development programming
WALTHAM— Today, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center announced $25,000 in funding for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Boston Professionals. The funding will support NSBE Boston’s pre-collegiate, collegiate, and professional development initiatives. The NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
“Our ecosystem will only be as strong as our commitment to increase the diversity of engineers, scientists, educators and others who contribute to and benefit from the life sciences sector,” said MLSC President and CEO Travis McCready. “No one entity is responsible for the healthy state of the life sciences or any sector within our innovation economy. I applaud the work of NSBE for their dedication to our collective commitment to creating opportunities at every level of educational and career development for the next generation of black engineers and STEM professionals.”
The National Society of Black Engineers has a bold vision of encouraging students to pursue a career in engineering, with an ultimate goal of increasing the annual number of black engineering bachelor’s degree recipients to 10,000 by 2025. With this worthy mission in mind, NSBE Boston has shaped its programming to inspire the innovators of tomorrow through professional advancement, youth, pre-college, and collegiate initiatives, and cultural and community-focused initiatives.
“All black students should be able to envision themselves as engineers or scientists,” said Ladi Olaoye of NSBE Boston. “Moreover, there is a national imperative for more black engineers to continue our country’s progress in STEM fields. We are grateful for the funding the MLSC is providing to spark and sustain interest in engineering and technology and provide experiences for students and professionals. This will open new doors and opportunities in academic achievement, leadership, and collaboration.”
More than 160 professional members are currently participating in NSBE Boston programming, which includes monthly career networking and professional development opportunities. NSBE Boston programming through STEM outreach events and initiatives, including participation in NSBE Jr. Chapters, have impacted more than 250 students in grades 3-12. At the college level, NSBE Boston actively supports 15 student chapters all over New England. This translates into 500-plus college student members enrolled in some form of STEM programming.
NSBE Boston, founded in 1988 as the “NSBE New England Alumni Extension”, recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary with the inaugural Boston STEM Benefit, to honor the accomplishments of black innovators and change-makers in the Boston area and to recognize the impact of NSBE Boston on more than 2000 local students and professionals over the last 30 years. Visit NSBE Boston to find out more information.
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research & development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health. Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed over $700 million in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives, and workforce programs. These investments have created thousands of jobs, and propelled the development of new therapies, devices, and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.
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