The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to represent the Hispanic community.
The concept of networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong, but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation.
Statement of Values
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.
Mission & Vision
Currently, the United States is facing a shortage of technical talent. Compared to international markets, the U.S. has fewer graduates in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Additionally, our K -12 students test below their counterparts in math and science. If these trends continue, America will fall short of producing the STEM innovators needed to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Statistics state that Hispanics will be the majority population by 2042. Hispanic students need to be prepared to compete in the STEM fields that are projected to have the highest need for new hires. SHPE’s mission is to empower the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development.
SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers. Through our membership, programs, scholarships and corporate partnerships, SHPE will inspire the next generation of STEM innovators this country needs. Join us in our quest to expand STEM literacy so that Hispanics are the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers!
Links to SHPE Inc. and the SHPE Foundation