The Houston chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) invests in the future by reaching back to inspire the next generation.
NSBE Houston hosts a free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) camp twice a year. The camp is designed to ignite a passion in young students for science, technology, engineering and math, particularly those from underserved communities.
“This has been a program that’s been around for at least the last 15-plus years of the organization’s existence,” said Karen Reeder, NSBE Houston chapter president. “The mission of our organization inspires it. Our mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
That mission, Reeder emphasized, is not just a tagline.
“This organization is celebrating our 50th anniversary and over the last 50 years, NSBE has produced over 100,000 Black engineers,” she said. “So we take that mission very seriously and our role in the community is to help make the mission possible.”
To do so, NSBE Houston starts with the youth.
“We start with the younger generation, third graders up to middle school and high school students and expose them to various types of STEM activities,” said Reeder. “We give them hands-on activities so they can witness and see for themselves how fun and exciting it is, ask questions, see other Black engineers and technologists and be inspired to become engineers.”
Reeder explained that the organization specifically targets students who might otherwise lack access to these learning opportunities.
“We target the underserved community because, with all that’s going on in the world right now, programs are being taken away from public schools,” she said. “We want to make sure that students still have access to these types of programs. And we do not charge. Thank God we’ve been able to continue to provide this program at no cost to parents.”
That includes providing food, supplies and expert-led instruction. The camp has about 130-200 volunteers for more than 200 students.
“We work with Fortune 500 companies in the Houston area, so that they can give back as well,” she said. “So far, we’ve been successful with the activities and scholarships we provide. We’re increasing the number of students participating yearly.”
For the chapter’s Public Relations Officer, L’Anne Onyekachi, her commitment to NSBE is deeply personal. Onyekachi’s journey began with her daughter’s participation in NSBE programming.
“I’ve studied biology, so I know how important science is. Capturing kids early is very crucial,” she said. “Being cool is one thing and being smart is another. But when kids are exposed to these careers and opportunities, their minds open.”
Onyekachi said seeing her daughter’s enthusiasm pushed her to get more involved.
“They had people like nurses there,” Onyekachi said. “They also had other people from different aspects of STEM careers and hands-on workshops. I said, ‘Wow, why don’t I just be a part of this organization?’”
The curriculum included a virtual operating room where students played patient roles, administered anesthesia and performed the operation, demonstrating their understanding of all roles in the operating room.
Reeder’s love for STEM started in elementary school. Once she found similar programs to join, she could connect with other students interested in college and STEM careers. Her involvement with NSBE began in college and hasn’t wavered in over two decades.
“It’s an honor to lead the Houston professional chapter now,” Reeder said. “With my industry experience and current role as a project manager, I bring those skills into the chapter to make it better.”
The camp offers a variety of experiences. Tech giants like Verizon and ExxonMobil have conducted virtual reality workshops in which students interact with AI-generated robots, learn how robots move using floor markings and build miniature robots and balloon cars. These workshops allow students to learn principles through hands-on experience.
“They can take these items home and share with their parents. Hopefully, it’s an artifact that they can remember and tie back those principles and the fun they had with what they’re learning in school,” Reeder said. “When they get into high school and they’re actually taking that subject, they have some reference or basis. Now you’re building on the information you previously learned.”
Onyekachi agreed.
“There’s nothing like it,” she said. “I love all students, but in particular, when it comes to this—Black and brown children—when you see their faces light up when they see themselves in every presenter, it’s remarkable.”
