Virginia Commonwealth University Chapter Hosts U.S. Senator Tim Kaine at Día de Ciencias

On Saturday, April 11, the SHPE chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University welcomed U.S. Senator Tim Kaine to their Día de Ciencias, a program that brings hands-on learning and college readiness experiences to K-12 students and their families as they consider a future in STEM.

More than 50 students and family members participated in a full day of activities, including a Lego manufacturing lab, a civil engineering lab, a campus tour, and a financial literacy workshop on budgeting and planning for college. Industry partners also provided students and families with an up-close look at STEM field opportunities, with local professionals sharing insights about their roles and career backgrounds.

To kick off the day, Senator Kaine offered remarks in both English and Spanish, then spent the remainder of his visit at each station alongside VCU chapter members, who walked him through the activities and explained how each one strengthened the academic foundation students need to pursue STEM in higher education.

Conversations extended well beyond the activity tables, as chapter members spoke candidly with the Senator about their own STEM journeys, their experience as SHPE members, and the chapter’s commitment to growing their impact in the Richmond community. It was a unique and meaningful opportunity for students to engage directly with a sitting U.S. Senator on the issues that matter the most to their futures.

This initiative builds on the work many chapters have put forth to host Congressional staff at programs like Día de Ciencias, Noche de Ciencias, and Equipando Padres. Having Senator Kaine attend marks a milestone, not just for the VCU chapter, but for SHPE, as this was the first time a U.S. Senator participated in-person at a local event. This achievement reflects the initiative, preparation, and dedication of our chapters and their commitment to demonstrating the impact they have as STEM professionals and community leaders.

Special thanks go out to the VCU chapter, their advisor, and our industry partners for their leadership and generous support in making this event a success. 

Taking the step toward hosting an elected official at a chapter event starts with preparation. SHPE’s Government Relations team works directly with chapters to help them get there. If your chapter is ready to take that first step, reach out at shpeonthehill@shpe.org to get started!

The Real Cost of Becoming an Engineer: What Our Scholarship Applicants Are Telling Us 

Every year, thousands of SHPE members apply for scholarships, each application representing not just academic achievement, but sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a future in STEM. This year, we asked a simple but powerful question: How much are you paying out of pocket each year just to stay in school? The answers were not easy to read.

93% of our applicants are carrying a real financial burden. Nearly 1 in 5 is paying more than $20,000 a year out of pocket—on top of a full-time STEM course load. More than half are paying over $5,000 annually. These are not just numbers. These are students working late nights, taking on extra jobs, making impossible trade-offs, doing whatever it takes to keep going. And still, every single day they show up. 

This Is Bigger Than Tuition

More than half of SHPE members are first-generation college students, navigating college without a roadmap, no safety net, no guide, no one at home who’s done this before.

Our 2024 SHPE-LDC Report found that:

  • 65.7% of Latino engineering students experienced financial hardship in the past year
  • 20.2% faced housing insecurity

Behind every application is a story like this. And yet, they apply. They believe in what’s possible.

If You’re Reading This, You’re Part of the Story

For many of us, SHPE was more than a membership. It was the community that helped us navigate college. The mentor who gave us direction. The scholarship that made one more semester possible. The connection that led to our first internship or our first job. We didn’t get here alone. At some point, someone in this familia showed up for us.

Now It’s Our Turn

When our community is supported, the impact is undeniable. SHPE scholars graduate at an 87.7% rate, far exceeding the national engineering average of 50%. From 2024-2025, we awarded 369 scholarships totaling more than $1.2 million, helping students stay enrolled and on track. But the truth is that there are still thousands more who need us.

This Is What Familia Looks Like

Familia means we don’t let each other struggle alone. It means reaching back as we move forward. It means making sure the next student has the same, or better, opportunity than we did. Our scholarship applicants aren’t asking for a handout. They’re asking for a chance. And for many of us, that story feels familiar. So this is our moment to show up—not just as professionals, but as a community that takes care of its own.

If you’re in a position to give, to mentor, or to advocate, this is how we keep the SHPE familia strong. 

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SHPE to Receive Federal Investment, Expanding STEM Learning Opportunities and Building the Next Generation of Innovators in California Schools

We are grateful to share that SHPE has been awarded $236,000 in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill. This support comes from Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) requests championed by Senator Alex Padilla of California and enacted into law on February 3. The award is a significant milestone, signaling that early STEM talent development is a national priority worthy of federal investment. 

SHPE will use this funding to launch a hybrid program combining Virtual STEM Labs and Noche de Ciencias at two California middle schools, bringing hands-on, in-class learning and mentorship directly to students. The program is designed to make STEM visible, relevant, and achievable, connecting students with professionals whose career journeys can inspire them to become the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe reflected on the significance of the award: 

“The STEM Labs Program will allow us to remove barriers for young students who are curious about STEM, giving them hands-on experiences, mentorship, and role models whose life experiences and STEM journeys resonate with their own. We thank Senator Padilla and his team for believing in our mission and supporting our vision for this program.” 

Congressional Directed Spending is one of the most direct signals the federal government sends about where the national interest lies. Senator Padilla’s leadership on this request affirms what SHPE has long demonstrated: that strengthening the STEM talent pipeline is a matter of national competitiveness and economic strength. For industries that depend on a skilled STEM workforce across technology, engineering, defense, energy, and healthcare, this opportunity will attract private matching funds, giving the private sector a direct role in developing the talent pipeline. 

For SHPE, this federal investment is more than a recognition. It is an opportunity to accelerate what has been built through years of program design, community relationships, and advocacy. We are eager to launch the STEM Labs Program and deepen its impact on students, industries, and the nation. 

See Senator Padilla’s full list of secured projects: padilla.senate.gov 

SHPE DC Professionals Launch National State Advocacy Strategy at the Virginia State Capitol

On February 5, members of the SHPE DC Professional Chapter made history by hosting their first State Advocacy Day at the Virginia State Capitol. The event marked an important milestone in connecting the work of local SHPE chapters with Virginia’s broader efforts to strengthen the STEM talent pipeline and attract top talent to the Commonwealth.

Building on Virginia’s commitment to a talent-driven economy, chapter professionals emphasized that investing in people is essential to powering the state’s STEM future. As a key community partner, SHPE continues to advance Virginia’s workforce by fostering strong networks for students and professionals, engaging youth and families in college readiness programs, providing financial support for students, and expanding opportunities that promote adaptability and resilience in the workplace.

Inspired by National Hill Days, this new state-level initiative seeks to broaden leadership and civic engagement among SHPE chapter leaders nationwide. With guidance from SHPE’s Government Relations Department, chapters will organize a full day of meetings, share key messages, and participate in meaningful discussions while building relationships with state legislators and officials.

This effort highlights that meaningful progress happens not only in Washington, D.C., but also in state capitals, where decisions directly shape communities and drive economic growth. Through personal storytelling, SHPE members showcased the power of Hispanic leadership in Virginia, as professionals, mentors, and role models for students and families pursuing STEM careers.

This milestone demonstrates how SHPE DC professionals extend their leadership beyond the workplace, advancing initiatives that enhance education, strengthen communities, and foster a thriving STEM ecosystem across the Commonwealth.

My Path Through STEM with SWE and SHPE: A Story for International Day of Women and Girls in Science

I’m thrilled to partner with SWE to celebrate this important day. SWE played a pivotal role in my college experience at Fresno State while I pursued my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. It gave me a community of women and allies that made those moments—like being one of only two women in a class—feel less isolating. I knew others had walked this path before me, and many more would follow.

Today, I serve on the National Board of Directors for SHPE, another organization that has shaped my engineering journey since I joined in 2018. Within SHPE, SHPEtinas accelerates and affirms Latina representation in STEM leadership. Each year, this track grows as more Latinas pursue STEM degrees, creating a ripple effect that I’ve personally experienced.

I want to share a story about how I almost stepped away from SHPE—and how SHPEtinas helped me find my way back. Picture this: Spring 2021. You’ve just graduated in the middle of a pandemic with an engineering degree. After applying to hundreds of jobs, you have two offers: one in engineering and one on Capitol Hill. You choose DC for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s incredible, but a few months in, you know it’s not your long-term path.

At that point, I hadn’t engaged with SWE or SHPE since graduation. I was in that tricky transition from student to professional. Then, a mentor from SHPE reached out about the upcoming SHPE conference. On a whim, I booked a flight and went—alone, without an agenda. My mentor took me under her wing and introduced me to the SHPEtinas track. Those sessions reignited my passion for these communities and reminded me why having a village matters.

Through those connections, I learned about an opportunity at Eaton, where I now work as a Sales Engineer. Every step of my career has been influenced by SHPE—and SWE—because they provide mentorship and community. That’s why I ran for the board: to give back and keep the cycle going.

In the end, girlhood is what helped me and the advice I have for you in finding your way through STEM as a girl. Join mentorship programs. Ask someone you admire to mentor you. STEM isn’t easy—it can be frustrating—but it’s worth it. You don’t have to be perfect. You’ll stumble, but you’ll rise. And when you have a strong support system, those doubts quiet down, resilience builds, and getting back up becomes easier.
 
SHPE is committed to celebrating milestones and achievements of women and girls in STEM across the country. Check out past initiatives: 
Fireside Chat Celebrating Women and Girls in STEM
Special Message from Young Kim
Special Message from Kim Schrier
Special Message from Haley Stevens

STEM for the Bold: Indianapolis Advocacy Day 

On Thursday, January 29, the Indiana Professional Chapter hosted STEM for the Bold: Indianapolis Advocacy Day, meeting with city and state leaders to highlight the critical role of SHPE professionals in driving innovation, workforce readiness, and regional economic growth. The discussions also reinforced the chapter’s vision of bringing the 2026 SHPE National Convention to Indianapolis, a goal years in the making that will spotlight Indiana as a hub for STEM talent and industry investment. 

As SHPE National evaluates convention sites, factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, and long-term economic impact take precedence, making Indiana an ideal location for industry and workforce growth. With state chapters preparing to host this year’s convention, raising awareness among students, professionals, businesses, and government leaders is essential. The event not only attracts thousands of attendees seeking career development opportunities but also positions Indiana as a destination for high-skill STEM careers and corporate expansion. 

During meetings, chapter representatives met with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration and city and state officials to share data on the measurable impact of SHPE Indiana’s professional programming. Through youth engagement, parent involvement, and professional development programs, the chapter directly supports the state’s projected 2.9% STEM workforce growth, expected to add nearly 168,000 skilled new roles by 2028. 

Programs like Noche de Ciencias and Equipando Padres were presented as models of early STEM engagement. These initiatives strengthen K-12 partnerships, encourage career exploration, and equip families to support students pursuing technical education, aligning with statewide efforts to develop a robust talent pipeline. 

Members also emphasized talent retention through initiatives such as ScholarSHPE and MentorSHPE. Sustaining Indiana’s STEM ecosystem depends on mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development that help professionals thrive at every stage of their careers. These programs create a continuous pipeline of skilled, career-ready individuals whose growth benefits not only their own trajectories but also the broader STEM workforce and the regional economy. 

Building on this foundation, members highlighted the transformative impact of SHPE’s National Convention. Beyond advancing individual careers, the Convention serves as a hub for networking, skill-building, and cross-sector collaboration. Hosting the event in Indianapolis would connect local talent with national opportunities, elevate the city’s STEM profile, and generate measurable economic value through workforce development and long-term industry investment. 

STEM for the Bold captures the spirit of the Indiana Professional Chapter’s mission of connecting people to meaningful careers, expanding pathways into high-demand fields, and fueling a stronger, innovation-driven economy. As Indianapolis continues to emerge as a national center for STEM talent and industry growth, this vision underscores a shared commitment to building opportunity, advancing competitiveness, and shaping a bold future for all Hoosiers.  

Photography credits: Chapital Photography 

A Year of Impact with Equipando Padres

SHPE’s Equipando Padres program continues to demonstrate the power of family engagement as a catalyst for student success in STEM. Designed to equip parents with knowledge, confidence, and tools to support their students’ educational journeys, the program has become a nationally scaled, community-driven model rooted in trust and access.

In 2025, Equipando Padres engaged families through 37 SHPE professional and student chapters nationwide, reflecting the program’s growing reach and its strong alignment with local community needs. Chapters across the country implemented Equipando Padres programming using an “Equipando Padres in a Box” kit, creating welcoming in-person spaces for parents and caregivers to learn about STEM pathways, college readiness, scholarships, and long-term career opportunities for their students.

Additionally, during the SHPE National Convention in Philadelphia this year, staff and volunteers hosted a Dia de Ciencias event for 100 8th graders at Esperanza Academy Charter School, and the SHPE Philadelphia Professional chapter hosted an Equipando Padres event in tandem for the parents of those middle school students. This is just one of the ways that SHPE tries to leave a lasting impact every year on the city hosting the National Convention.

The Equipando Padres in a Box model has been particularly impactful in supporting chapter-led implementation. By providing a structured yet flexible framework, chapters were able to host meaningful, culturally responsive events while tailoring outreach to their local communities. As a result, participation expanded steadily across regions, including urban, suburban, and emerging chapter communities.

The impact extends beyond individual events. Chapters reported high satisfaction with the program structure and resources, with several noting that no additional support would have improved their experience. This strong foundation has enabled sustained engagement, with multiple chapters hosting Equipando Padres in a Box for consecutive semesters. In some regions, the program has also led to expanded opportunities, including invitations to host sessions at additional institutions and in new geographic areas.

By the end of May 2026, Equipando Padres in a Box will have hosted nearly 90 events nationwide, made possible through the commitment, leadership, and collaboration of 37 SHPE chapters. These events represent more than attendance metrics—they reflect thousands of meaningful touchpoints with parents who are now better equipped to advocate for their students and engage with STEM education pathways.

Looking ahead, chapters are building on this momentum through continued parent outreach efforts, including cafecitos, newsletters, social media engagement, and invitations to future SHPE programs and community events. This sustained approach ensures that Equipando Padres remains not just an event, but an ongoing relationship between families and the STEM ecosystem.

Equipando Padres exemplifies SHPE’s mission to empower the Hispanic community and create pathways to opportunity through education, access, and community leadership. For more information about Equipando Padres in a Box and participating chapters, visit shpe.org.

Our Equipando Padres efforts reached families through a diverse network of SHPE professional and student chapters. Congratulations to the following chapters across the nation that hosted in-person events this fall! They impacted 671 participants in 15 cities!

List of participating chapters by region: REGION 1 •Silicon Valley Professional REGION 2 •Otay Ranch High School •Orange County - Inland Empire REGION 3 •Metro State University of Denver •Wichita State University REGION 4 •Greater Philadelphia Professional Chapter •New Jersey Institute of Technology •Suffolk County Community College REGION 5 •Texas A&M University •University of Houston •University of Texas El Paso REGION 6 •Detroit Professional •St. Louis Gateway Professional •University of Illinois Chicago REGION 7 •Clemson University •Georgia Institute of Technology •University of Florida •University of South Florida

We would also like to thank and recognize the following chapters for hosting events during the 2025 calendar year: Colorado Professional, George Mason University, New York City Professional, Oklahoma City Professional, Oregon Professional, Phoenix Professional, San Diego Professional, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Nebraska at Omaha, among others.

Each chapter brought its own local perspective, relationships, and dedication to serving families. We’re grateful to all of those volunteer leaders for their commitment to advancing SHPE’s mission in their communities.

If you’re a chapter interested in working with us on an Equipando Padres event, please fill out this interest form or email us at padres@shpe.org.
If your organization is interested in Equipando Padres sponsorship opportunities, please send an email to partnerships@shpe.org.

Celebrating 4 Years of Impact: How SHPE and Medtronic Empowered 200+ STEM Leaders

SHPE is proud of our partnership with Medtronic on the InternSHPE Program. The InternSHPE program was a unique collaboration that connected SHPE members with summer internship opportunities at one of the world’s leading healthcare technology companies. Over the course of 4 years, over 200 students participated in the program with over 40 participants transitioning to full-time roles with the company. 

The Medtronic InternSHPE program was born out of an identified need to increase representation at leading companies. Medtronic identified SHPE as a key partner in their mission and began the program in 2021. SHPE staff promoted the internship opportunity and facilitated the initial review process of applications; as well as the first round of interviews. Applicants had access to support via information sessions and workshops to help prepare them for the interview process. 

One of Medtronic’s primary goals in the initial planning was to increase their visibility with SHPE members, a goal that was achieved as seen by the dramatic increase in applicants over the years. The initial year of the InternSHPE program saw 118 applicants and 34 ultimately selected. From that initial year, the program grew to 54 members and 537 applicants.

The most unique and celebrated part of the partnership was the weeklong orientation bootcamp hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Every year in March students participating in the InternSHPE program would gather and get to meet each other prior to their summer internships, learn more about the company, and hear inspiring words from key Medtronic leaders and tour facilities. 

2024 Medtronic Bootcamp Video

Airam Martinez, who participated in the program in the summer of 2024 and now works as a Systems Engineer at Medtronic Diabetes said: “Being a Medtronic intern through SHPE was an incredible experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I explored different departments, earned certifications in key engineering practices like Design for Six Sigma, and connected with inspiring Hispanic professionals nationwide. This experience opened many doors for my career and showed me how I can use engineering to give back by improving lives through meaningful innovation.”

Medtronic was honored at the 2025 SHPE National Convention as the Company of the Year. This distinct honor goes to companies that have demonstrated a commitment to SHPE and its members. The award was accepted by Rodrigo Salles Medina, Vice President Legal Compliance and Co-Chair of the Hispanic Latino Network

SHPE is proud to have such a strong and committed partner along our side in the mission to develop the next generation of STEM leaders. 

If you’re interested in working with us on an InternSHPE program for your organization, please email us at partnerships@shpe.org.

SHPE Joins the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 2025 Tech Summit for “Building the Latino Tech Workforce of the Future” Panel Discussion

On Wednesday, November 19, SHPE Board Strategic Committee Member Karen Santos participated as a panelist in the “Building the Latino Tech Workforce of the Future” session at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2025 Tech Summit. The discussion convened STEM ecosystem leaders to explore how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming the future of work and how communities can prepare for both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The topic was especially relevant for SHPE, as the Hispanic workforce has long been a long time cornerstone for industries being reshaped by technology. This pivotal moment calls for creating clear pathways into emerging sectors and leadership roles to ensure Hispanic professionals remain at the forefront of innovation.

To open the session, U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez delivered powerful remarks urging the audience to view technology as a bridge to greater opportunity, not a barrier to progress. She emphasized the need for affordable devices, high-quality digital training, and expanded broadband access to close the digital divide and drive growth across both rural and urban communities.

Throughout the panel, speakers examined how the rise of AI is redefining not only the nature of work, but also how individuals find meaning and purpose in it. They agreed that beyond salary and stability, meaningful work increasingly revolves around purpose, innovation, and long-term impact. While automation often dominates the conversation, panelists emphasized that AI can amplify human potential by elevating unique human strengths such as creativity, discernment, judgment, and problem-solving.

The conversation also underscored that building a strong and resilient talent pipeline requires more than just technical expertise. Panelists highlighted that soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership are just as essential for long-term professional success. As Karen Santos shared, “SHPE leadership initiatives, such as NILA, help our members strengthen their ability to tune into their chapter’s needs, manage community outreach, and pursue cross-sector industry collaboration opportunities, all of which enhance their interpersonal skills and expand their professional networks.”

The unifying message of the panel was that the future of technology, and the workforce it shapes, will depend on deliberate investment in up-skilling, access to education, and opportunity. With the Hispanic workforce contributing an estimated $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, panelists underscored that developing strong talent pipelines is not only vital for community advancement but also for sustaining national economic competitiveness. By expanding pathways for professional growth and innovation, the U.S. can unlock higher productivity, generate quality jobs, and ensure that technology remains a powerful engine of prosperity for all communities and businesses across the country.

Reflecting on the discussion, SHPE Board Member Alejandra Leija shared, “Technological progress must include and empower everyone. That means investing in continuous learning and expanding access to technical education so professionals can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. At SHPE, we remain committed to ensuring the Hispanic community leads, without any lags, in shaping the future of innovation.”

The day’s discussions offered more than insights. It inspired a shared vision for a future where today’s workforce is empowered to lead in tomorrow’s economy. SHPE extends its heartfelt gratitude to CHCI President and CEO Marco Davis and his team for their partnership and dedication to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. Together, we are shaping the policies, innovations, and opportunities that will define America’s technological and economic progress for generations to come.

Meet Dr. Ana Rodriguez: Your Guide to Graduate Success

My name is Ana Rodriguez, and I am your Higher Education and Graduate Program Manager at SHPE. My role is dedicated to supporting you on your journey, whether you are considering whether graduate school is the right choice for you or are currently navigating your graduate school experience.

I encourage you to explore the programs we offer on the Graduate & Advance Degree page. These initiatives are designed to address your unique needs at every stage of your graduate education.

Considering Graduate School?
If you are contemplating graduate studies and seeking clarity on whether this path aligns with your goals, I encourage you to participate in our Passport to Grad School program. This initiative provides essential information on costs, the application process, career advancement opportunities, and other critical topics to help you make an informed decision. This series begins in January.

Preparing to Apply?
For those who have decided to pursue graduate education, our Future GRADS MentorSHPE program offers personalized guidance. You will be paired with a mentor who will support you through the application process and provide insights relevant to Master’s, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral candidates. This program starts in August.

Currently Enrolled in Graduate School?
Active graduate students are invited to join the SHPE Grad Series. This program delivers monthly sessions focused on career transitions, networking, balancing parenthood with academic responsibilities, and more. Our goal is to be your partner in achieving academic success and graduation. This program runs from January to May and August to October.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at anar@shpe.org.