Student groups populate the halls of the College of Engineering, but it's difficult to find one more active than the National Society of Black Engineers. From bake sales to open meetings, their presence is constant. From their home base small office right off the steps of the second floor, the group's involvement and array of programs has a far reaching effect in the community.

This noticeable presence is by design. Temple has one of the 242 national collegiate chapters of NSBE, whose mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." Led by president Mable Bakali, the group shined during Engineers Week, co-hosting a diversity panel with the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers, having some fun in "Engineering Jeopardy," and helping to organize the first annual Gala for the Center of Inclusive Competition in Engineering.

The group does a lot in Philadelphia, especially outside the College of Engineering. NSBE has a pre-college initiative chapter allowing them to mentor local students at Carver High School, a short walk from campus, and Girls High farther up Broad Street. Their goal is to bring more students into STEM education through attending conferences, robotics competition, and earning scholarships. "Positively impacting the community is something we're very energized about," said Bakali about the chapter's outreach mission. "I think on a college level, just to know that we're able to provide a support system for our minority group and other students outside of our minority group, really is exciting. Playing a part in our mission is something we can all do together and in being part of these student organizations, we have the ability to advocate for each other at any given time. That is what we're here to do, and when we graduate, it doesn't end. We just hope that every year, the statistics (of minorities in STEM) keep getting bigger."

While Temple enjoys a relatively robustly diverse community for Engineering, the situation nationally isn't rosy. According to the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, only one of every eight degree earners in 2011 were African-American, Latino, or American Indian/Alaska Natives. With STEM jobs offering high salaries and becoming a strong employer, especially in urban areas, these numbers are concerning. NSBE is trying to expose more youth to STEM and show more people who look like their parents in those professional roles.

Developing members is a key element to NSBE's success. The group runs programs every month to teach new skills, like programming and professional development. They also have fun. Before the big Engineers' Week push, they got together and played Cards Against Humanity. "At the College of Engineering, we're so technical, we're so school-focused we're so driven to succeed academically," said Bakali. "But you also have to take a break once in awhile. That's where the bonding comes in. We are constantly trying to offer our members strong skills because we actually get opportunities from NSBE. A lot of people get internships and full-time offers. I think our professional development is strong and we supplement that with our social aspect."

Tuere Turner, NSBE's secretary, notes that students run the group. They make the connections and attract employers. "Those relationships are made by students," she said. "NSBE is a lifestyle. You really go hard for everybody in the organization. It's not about you. It's about the whole community."

Leadership for NSBE aims to keep members active. Bakali also serves as membership chair and is very engaged, down to making sure home-baked goods, not store bought, are being sold at the bake sales. "It's definitely an exciting experience to make everyone get involved in the organization," she said.