The Columbus-based global science and technology enterprise Battelle has decided to share a slice of its wealth with students nationwide.
A donation of $1 million was made to the National Society of Black Engineers; a gesture made to ensure adequate funding for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math education.
Half of the contribution will provide annual scholarships for NSBE members, while the remaining funds will be used for programs at the grade school and middle school levels. All of the money will be administered throughout the next five years.
“This donation, which represents the single-largest donation in NSBE’s 33-year history, will enable us to effectively provide the launching pad to introduce STEM to third-, fourth- and fifth-graders,” according to NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack in a press release.
Founded in 1975, NSBE has spread the interest of leadership and career development expanding its membership to more than 19,000 students and professionals.
NSBE’s mission, according to the press release, is to “increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
“In particular, we believe young African-American men and women need the opportunity and the encouragement to pursue technology-based careers, and NSBE is an outstanding vehicle for those efforts,” said Battelle President and CEO Carl Kohrt.
As the largest student-managed organization in the world, NSBE parallels many of Battelle’s common goals and objectives.
“NSBE is forever thankful for this gift from Battelle, and I am deeply moved,” said NSBE National Chair Ainsley A. Stewart Jr.
For further information about becoming a member of NSBE, visit its Web site at nsbe.org.
Jamie Galvin can be contacted at [email protected].
