The Programs Zone
SEEK…It’s Not Just for Kids!
By Sharifa Vinson, NSBE SEEK Coordinator
SEEK 2012 LOCATIONS
Columbus, Ohio, *Detroit, Mich., *New Orleans, La., Oakland, Calif., San Diego, Calif., Washington, D.C.( *New location)
Since its inception in 2007, NSBE’s Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) has touched more than 3,500 elementary school and middle school students, inspiring wonder and hunger for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To fulfill its mission of increasing the number of black engineers, NSBE looks ‘back to the future,’ cultivating students’ curiosity and fascination for science and math at an early age. Without a strong foundation in math and science at the start of their education, our students cannot be expected to excel academically and succeed professionally in STEM fields. But SEEK is not just for kids.
A story we don’t always hear is that of the “roots” of this grassroots program. NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack (“Brother E.D.”) refers to them as our MVPs. They are part friend, part counselor, part teacher and the foundation upon which this program is built. They are the SEEK mentors. Each year, NSBE recruits its collegiate and Alumni members to serve as mentors, teaching engineering concepts to children in a fun, motivating environment. As a SEEK mentor, you can expect to gain networking opportunities, lifelong friendships with fellow mentors, a healthy stipend and one of the best summers of your life.
This past summer, NSBE expanded its SEEK program from Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio, to San Diego and Oakland, Calif. NSBE Magazine talked with a mentor from each of these sites to get the inside scoop on the experience.
SEEK Mentors Speak
Steavian Sampson
SEEK Location: Washington, D.C.
School: New York Institute of Technology
Major: Electrical Engineering
On what moved him:
“As I was growing up, I didn’t have people who cared and wanted to help.”
“It’s always a good thing to see what difference you can make in people’s lives.”
“While I was at SEEK, I saw students who would act like they didn’t care. So when I saw them rise to the occasion, it moved me, because I thought they weren’t paying attention. That was a precious moment for me.”
Vogue Robinson
SEEK Location: San Diego, Calif.
School: San Diego State University
Major: Education
On why NSBE members should become mentors:
“You’re doing things to build yourself up, but don’t forget about those who are coming after you.”
“We had a time in D.C. (when) we were teaching them math. One of the student’s didn’t get it. He had an issue with the zero placeholder. Once he figured it out, he was like, ‘Oh snap! I got it. Give me another one.’ Those little ‘Aha!’ moments solidified it for me.”
Fatima Kebe
SEEK Location: Columbus, Ohio
School: The Ohio State University
Major: Industrial Systems Engineering
On her favorite moments:
“They may not even realize that they’re learning engineering.”
“It was a wonderful experience…taking time out and talking to them about college and life.”
Nicholas Bethea
SEEK Location: Oakland, Calif.
School: Gilford Technical Community College
Major: Mechanical Engineering
On why he became a mentor:
“Our kids need to see people of their own complexion. They need to see black people going to college, doing something smart, doing something with their lives. They weren’t used to seeing black men dressed up in ties.”