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!

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 [email protected].
If your organization is interested in Equipando Padres sponsorship opportunities, please send an email to [email protected].