SHPE

SHPE-Rensselaer is a chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a national organization dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community in STEM through professional development and leadership. The chapter was established at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1983. Since then, SHPE-Rensselaer has worked to promote SHPE's mission and values on campus through an emphasis on professionalism and community involvement, focusing on providing members with the tools and experiences needed to develop as future leaders. The chapter has prioritized recruitment and retention efforts, contributing to sustained growth in membership and event participation over time.

NSBE/SHPE Annual Career Fair

Their flagship event, The NSBE/SHPE Annual Career Fair, is one of the largest student-run career fairs in the country. Hosted in partnership with the National Society of Black Engineers, this event connects nearly 200 companies with over 2,000 RPI students. In addition to facilitating networking between students, recruiters, and alumni, the event is planned, coordinated, and executed by SHPE and NSBE members, who gain project management and professional experience through their involvement in its organization.

SHPE Outreach Weekend

SHPE's second flagship program is SHPE Outreach Weekend, which brings over 30 high school students from the New York Metro Area to campus. Over the course of an immersive weekend, these students explore careers in STEM, experience college life, and take on the signature 'Extreme Engineering Challenge'. The weekend functions both as a mentorship initiative for visiting students and as a leadership development opportunity for SHPE-Rensselaer members, who organize and lead the program's activities.

SHPE Jr. Chapter at Amsterdam High School

SHPE-Rensselaer also sponsors a SHPE Jr. Chapter at Amsterdam High School, a program that extends the organization's outreach efforts on a year-round basis. Through this partnership with a predominantly Hispanic high school, SHPE-Rensselaer provides recurring workshops covering topics such as college applications, SAT preparation, financial aid, and parent education, along with ongoing engineering-related activities. The program is part of the organization's broader effort to reduce barriers to higher education for underrepresented students.