Chapter Highlight
LIFFT - NSBE Jr. Chapter
The LIFTT-NSBE Jr. Chapter, of Oakland, California, hosted its first annual STEM Awareness Day at the Mills College School of Education in Oakland on February 19, 2011, to champion the cause of preparing our nation’s youth in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
This event assembled students from public schools, private schools, charter schools and homeschooling systems across the San Francisco Bay Area. Engineers, doctors, educators, parents and business professionals offered their support as speakers, chaperones and instructors. Students had the opportunity to learn about the contributions of blacks to STEM fields, participate in hands-on activities and explore science and engineering principles in relation to real-life experiences.
LIFTT-NSBE Jr., a.k.a. Leaders, Innovators, and Forward Thinkers of Tomorrow, began its youth chapter in Oakland in 2010 with the goal of fulfilling the mission of the National Society of Black Engineers, which is “to increase the number of culturallyresponsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” Sponsored by Inward Journeys Consulting, the LIFTT-NSBE Jr. Chapter is run by youth officers under the guidance of its chapter advisors, Dr. Chris Harrison and Dr. NNeka Harrison.
The LIFTT-NSBE Jr. Chapter hosted STEM Awareness Day at a time when President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have issued a clarion call to develop educational and community initiatives that prepare our nation’s youth to become global leaders,innovators and forward thinkers of tomorrow in STEM.
For more information, visit www.liftt-nsbejr.org.