National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering is a non-profit organization established in 1974 with the goal of increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, and American Indian students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. The organization was founded in response to the underrepresentation of minorities in these fields, with support from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Engineering. The council works with universities and colleges across the United States, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Carnegie Mellon University, to provide resources and opportunities for minority students. The organization also partners with companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google to provide internship and job opportunities for students.

● History

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering was established in 1974 by a group of engineers and educators, including Guion Bluford, Mae Jemison, and Daniel Hale Williams, who were concerned about the lack of diversity in the field of engineering. The organization was initially funded by the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation, and its first office was located in New York City. In the early years, the organization focused on providing scholarships and fellowships to minority students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science, with the support of organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. The council also worked with universities and colleges to develop programs and initiatives to increase the recruitment and retention of minority students, including University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of Michigan.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering is to increase the number of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, and American Indian students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. The organization's objectives include providing scholarships and fellowships to minority students, developing programs and initiatives to increase the recruitment and retention of minority students, and working with universities and colleges to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for minority students. The council also aims to provide opportunities for minority students to connect with industry professionals and researchers, including those from NASA, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Energy. The organization's mission and objectives are aligned with those of other organizations, such as the National Academy of Engineering, American Society for Engineering Education, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

● Programs and Initiatives

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering offers a range of programs and initiatives to support minority students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. These include the Fellowship Program, which provides fellowships to minority students pursuing graduate degrees in engineering and computer science, with the support of organizations like National Institute of Standards and Technology and Department of Defense. The organization also offers the Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to minority students pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering and computer science, with the support of companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The council also develops and implements programs to increase the recruitment and retention of minority students, such as the Summer Engineering Experience and the Minority Introduction to Engineering program, with the support of organizations like National Center for Women & Information Technology and Computer Science Teachers Association.

● Organization and Governance

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors composed of engineers, educators, and industry professionals, including representatives from University of California, Los Angeles, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The organization is led by a president and CEO, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, with the support of staff from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The council also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific areas, such as scholarships and fellowships, program development, and fundraising, with the support of organizations like National Science Foundation, National Academy of Engineering, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.

● Impact and Achievements

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering has had a significant impact on increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, and American Indian students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. The organization has provided scholarships and fellowships to thousands of minority students, and has worked with universities and colleges to develop programs and initiatives to increase the recruitment and retention of minority students, including University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Purdue University. The council has also partnered with industry leaders, such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM, to provide internship and job opportunities for minority students, with the support of organizations like National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. The organization's efforts have been recognized by a number of organizations, including the National Science Foundation, National Academy of Engineering, and American Society for Engineering Education.

Category:Engineering education