group of college-aged women posing on the front steps of a building
 

Featured Student Organizations

Here is just a handful of the more than 50 engineering-related student organizations:

  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
    AISES’ mission is to increase substantially the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and other related technology disciplines. Through a variety of educational programs, AISES offers financial, academic, and cultural support to American Indians and Alaska Natives from middle school through graduate school. AISES provides professional development activities to enable teachers to work effectively with Native students. AISES also develops culturally appropriate curricula and publications. AISES builds partnerships with tribes, schools, other non-profit organizations, corporations, foundations, and government agencies to realize its goals. AISES especially helps American Indian and Alaska Native students prepare for careers in science, technology, and engineering.
  • Multicultural Engineering Graduate Association @ UP (MEGA)
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
    The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Penn State Chapter, is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. NSBE’s 26,000+ members are divided up into more than 270 chapters on college and university campuses, 75 Alumni Extension chapters nationwide, and 75 Pre-College chapters. These chapters are also further geographically divided into six regions. NSBE had its genesis at a national conference planned and hosted by the Society of Black Engineers at Purdue University in April 1975.
  • Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
    The Penn State Out In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a professional group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied students. oSTEM provides services and support for students of sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; creates a dynamic network between students and professionals in industry and academia; provides education, outreach, and professional resources to high school students; and actively recruit and address the needs of diverse groups within the LGBTA community, inclusive of those who are historically underrepresented with regards to gender and ethnic background.
  • Phi Sigma Rho (ΦΣΡ)
    Phi Sigma Rho (ΦΣΡ) is a national sorority for women in the fields of engineering and science. In September of 1984, founding members Abby McDonald and Rashmi Khanna began Phi Sigma Rho at Purdue University as an opportunity for women in these fields to be active within the Greek community while still having the time needed to complete their demanding academic curricula. Our mission is to serve our sisters and our community through the promotion of high standards of personal integrity, respect, and character, lifelong bonds of sisterhood, and academic and professional excellence with a social balance through shared experiences, common bonds, and recognition of service and achievements.
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
    The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Penn State Chapter, has helped its members to grow academically, socially, and professionally. In addition, SHPE is heavily involved in community service events such as Relay for Life sponsored by the Red Cross and helping children with pediatric cancer through THON. We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility, and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits, and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity, and continuous improvement. As part of this organization, we must use our culture to bring a different perspective to the table, while at the same time keeping an open mind and listening to different ideas from our own.
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
    The Penn State Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter was founded in 1975 and today includes over 250 members. The mission of SWE is to “stimulate women to achieve as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.” In short, Aspire, Advance, Achieve! SWE offers many opportunities for students (both men and women) to get involved on campus, as well as at the Regional and National Levels. We operate in 5 sections — service; publicity; university relations; social; and recruitment. From our networking receptions to our High School Stay Over Event, SWE offers many opportunities for members to grow professionally, academically, and socially. Some other events include planning the College of Engineering semi-formal, hosting the “Mr. Engineer” Competition, and participating in homecoming.
 
 

About

Founded to serve students from groups underrepresented in engineering, the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion assists College of Engineering students, faculty, and staff with equity and inclusion engagement. The center leads the implementation of evidence-based best practices to support student belonging and degree attainment, while also encouraging involvement with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion programs and organizations. All are welcome!

Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion

College of Engineering

112 Hammond Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-4287