By Ariadni Aguilar

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) has created high school  chapters, exclusively for high school students who have an interest in engineering and other technical interests. This group funds programs to provide scholarships, mentors, tutors and other resources to overcome persistent educational barriers to Hispanic students.

They also encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for possible career goals. SHPE encourages and facilitates opportunities to attend to local science fairs and other engineering competitions.

Rafael Enriquez and Antonio Bello putting the finishing touches on their project. (Photo by Ariadni Aguilar)

The ultimate goal of SHPE is to increase the presence of Hispanics studying science and engineering.

There are a lot of benefits to joining this society and becoming involved with their programs such as:

• Eligible to apply to SHPE Foundation (Seniors only)
• Complimentary SHPE JR. Newsletter
• Eligible for national SHPE and SHPE Foundation awards
• Eligible to nominate SHPE Chapters for national awards
• Eligible to receive SHPE graduation stole
• Complementary SHPE Magazine
• Leadership training and career awareness opportunities

However there are a few membership and eligibility requirements, including:

• Middle and high school students who have an established SHPE Jr. Chapter at their school. If there is not chapter at the school there is no way to get into these programs. However, PHS does have an active chapter.
• Must be erolled in an accredited high school in the United States or Puerto Rico. Yes, PHS is in the United States.
• Must have a  minimum 2.5 overall GPA. Students should be doing this anyway. But, smart students need to be involved. Math, science, technology and engineering is pretty hard.

The PHS chapter of SHPE, works together to make a brighter future. (Photo by Ariadni Aguilar)

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) aims to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize their fullest potential, by opening the world of 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 the youth, their families, and their communities to reach their fullest potential by giving them options that they might have thought were out of their reach.

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.

Djanique Moore and Solange Casiano create their hovercraft racer. (Photo by Ariadni Aguilar)

This SHPE membership pathway provides a supportive, lasting network of STEM peers throughout their academic and career journeys.

The main goals of the SHPE Jr. Chapter Programs are to:

• Increase the number of 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 students
• Increase cultural awareness of contributions to STEM

This is a worthwhile and fun group. If any student has any interest they should join. Not only is this a rewarding group, but there is fun and it may just change the lives of PHS students who want to use science and technology to make the world a better place.