"To increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community."

Founded in 1975, NSBE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975, supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology. NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development activities, mentoring, career placement services, community service opportunities and more.

We envision a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally.

The National Society of Black Engineers strives to accomplish the following objectives for our organization:

• Stimulate and develop student interest in the various engineering disciplines
• Strive to increase the number of minority students studying engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels 
• Encourage members to seek advanced degrees in engineering or related fields and to obtain professional engineering registrations
• Promote public awareness of engineering and the opportunities for Blacks and other minorities in that profession
• Function as a representative body on issues and developments that affect the careers of Black Engineers  
  

Innovative project ideas are generated and implemented throughout the year on the chapter, regional and national levels. Some of NSBE's present activities include tutorial programs, group study sessions, high school/junior high outreach programs, technical seminars and workshops, a national communications network (NSBENET), two national magazines (NSBE Magazine and NSBE Bridge), an internal newsletter, a professional newsletter (Career Engineer, a supplement in NSBE Magazine), resume books, career fairs, awards, banquets and an annual national convention.

The NSBE Torch symbolizes the organization’s everlasting, burning desire to achieve success in this competitive society and to effect positive change in the quality of life of all people. The same light that flows from the NSBE Torch to students and professionals in the United States is also useful for NSBE members abroad. The goal of the Society is to replicate its mission and vision in countries around the world, creating a global network of Black Engineers, scientists and technologists. NSBE has accomplished more for black engineering students than any other organization in the world.